FIFA has handed down severe penalties to the Canadian women’s national soccer team at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a drone-spying scandal. The sanctions include a six-point deduction and a fine of $226,000, after it was discovered that two assistant coaches used drones to observe New Zealand’s practice sessions.
Head coach Bev Priestman and assistants Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander have been suspended from all soccer-related activities for one year. FIFA cited violations of fair play and offensive behavior in their decision.
David Shoemaker, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, expressed his disappointment over the situation, emphasizing that the athletes had no involvement in the unethical actions. “We feel terrible for the athletes on the Canadian Women’s Olympic Soccer Team who, as far as we understand, played no role in this matter,” Shoemaker stated. He confirmed that Canada Soccer and the Olympic Committee are exploring an appeal against the point deduction.
Despite the penalties, Canada still has a chance to advance in the tournament but must win all remaining Group A matches. They will face France on Sunday and Colombia on Thursday.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s Olympic tribunal in Paris is expected to handle the case swiftly. FIFA stated that the Canadian Soccer Association failed to ensure its staff adhered to tournament rules, though there is no evidence that the players were involved in the spying.
Interim coach Andy Spence led the team to a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening match. The scandal emerged after the game, prompting immediate disciplinary actions and an independent review by Canada Soccer, which could lead to further penalties.
As the team gears up for its next matches, the focus remains on overcoming the challenges and demonstrating their resilience and determination on the field amidst the ongoing controversy.
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