The Canadian women’s soccer team suffered a major blow on Saturday when FIFA announced it would deduct six points from the women’s national team standings. Paris Olympics After it was discovered that officials had been using drones to spy on New Zealand during private training sessions.
After an investigation, the FIFA Appeals Committee Canadian Soccer Association They are responsible for failing to ensure that officials adhered to Olympic rules.
Canada head coach Bev Priestman speaks to her team after the She Believes Cup match against Brazil at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on April 6, 2024. (Andrea Vilchez/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
“CSA was found responsible for failing to comply with applicable FIFA regulations in relation to the failure to ensure that participating officials of the XXXIII Olympic Finals Paris 2024 (OFT) complied with the prohibition on drone flights over any training venue,” the statement said.
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“The referees were found responsible for aggressive behaviour and breaches of the principles of fair play in relation to the use of a drone by the CSA Women’s National Team within the scope of the OFT.”
Head coach Bev Priestman was relieved of her position On Thursday night, two staff members from Paris were sent home after it emerged that analyst Joseph Lombardi was suspected of using a drone to spy on New Zealand training.
Canada head coach Beverley Priestman gestures during the 2024 CONCACAF World Gold Cup quarterfinal match against Costa Rica at BMO Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Canadian Olympic Committee says spy scandal ‘could tarnish’ Tokyo women’s gold medal
The potential for tampering with opponents’ recordings has come to light as Canada seeks to defend its Olympic title. The women’s team won gold in Tokyo and won its opening game against New Zealand on Thursday before Priestman was ejected.
FIFA announced Saturday that Priestman, Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander were “banned from participating in any football-related activity for one year.” The Canadian Soccer Association was also fined $226,000.
Canadian players pose for a team photo before the start of the women’s football Group A match against New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne on July 25, 2024. (Arnaud Finistre/AFP via Getty Images)
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Canada Soccer can appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. If a CAS judge upholds the points deduction, Canada won’t be eliminated from the tournament, but it could mean the team would have to win all three of its Group A matches to earn three points and move into second place in the standings.
Canada’s next game is against France on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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