Jasmine Mander was suspended by FIFA for a year for her role in the Paris Olympics drone spying scandal that hit the Canada team.
Performance analyst Jasmine Mander and Head Coach Carla Ward(Image: INPHO/James Crombie)
Ireland head coach Carla Ward has defended the inclusion of Jasmine Mander on her coaching staff ahead of this week’s World Cup double-header.
Mander was one of three Canadian coaches, including manager Bev Priestman, to be hit by FIFA with a one-year suspension from football in the wake of a massive Paris Olympics scandal.
They were found to have used a drone to spy on New Zealand ahead of their game at the 2024 Games.
According to Ward, Ireland have landed a “top quality” coach who has the experience to help guide the Girls in Green to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
The campaign kicks off in Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday against France, before they travel to Utrecht to take on the Netherlands on Saturday.
“First and foremost Jasmine is a top quality coach, she’s exceptional in terms of her experience,” said Ward, in response to questions about the addition to her backroom team.
“She’s been there, she’s done it, she’s won it all, but, yeah, when the opportunity arose to bring her in, then we looked at what we needed, we looked at what can help us and I keep saying to you, how do we get to a World Cup?
“We need the right people in the right places and she fits that for sure.”
Ward added that she spoke with Mander about the controversy before making the appointment.
“Of course, yeah,” she said. “You know me as well, right, so you know I’m big on second chances, I’m big on getting the right people and the right experience in the right places.
“Can she add a lot of quality? Yes. Has she added a lot of quality this week? Absolutely.”
Ward, meanwhile, has revealed that she has narrowed the pitch for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against France.
“We are coming up against the best in the world, one percenters matter,” said Ward.
“If I’m being honest, I think [France] will go fully experienced. I don’t think they will take us lightly.
“I think they understand the Irish mentality and the way this team and this nation has done things over the years. I think they will go strong. I think you will probably see some of the top players.
“Melvine Malard is playing very well for Manchester United, so you would probably expect her to come in.
“Listen, no matter who they change, they have got world-class players in every department and on the bench, so I expect a very strong, experienced team.”
Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.