In a shocking turn of events, FIFA has deducted six points from Canada in the Paris Olympics women’s football tournament and banned three coaches for one year each in a drone spying scandal. The Canadian football federation was also slapped with a hefty fine of 200,000 Swiss francs. The scandal unfolded when two assistant coaches were caught using drones to spy on New Zealand’s practices before their opening game. Head coach Bev Priestman, who guided Canada to Olympic glory in Tokyo in 2021, was suspended by the national federation and removed from the tournament along with her two assistants, Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander.
FIFA took swift action in the case by fast-tracking its disciplinary process, with its appeals judges handling the matter. The judges found Priestman and her assistants guilty of offensive behavior and violating the principles of fair play. The Canadian federation was also deemed responsible for failing to ensure that its staff complied with tournament rules. The coaches and the federation have the option to challenge their sanctions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s special Olympic court in Paris, which is known for expediting urgent cases and delivering quick verdicts.
Priestman, a 38-year-old coach from England, was hired in 2020 to lead the Canadian team and is under contract through the 2027 Women’s World Cup. She voluntarily stepped aside during Canada’s Olympic opener against New Zealand after the spying scandal came to light. Canadian officials suspect that the use of drones for spying may have been a longstanding issue within the team. The two coaches involved in the scandal were sent home, and Canada managed to secure a 2-1 victory over New Zealand with interim coach Andy Spence at the helm.
The deduction of six points, pending confirmation by CAS judges, does not mean Canada is out of the tournament. The team will need to win all three remaining games in Group A and hope to advance with three points, likely as the runner-up in the standings. Canada’s upcoming matches include a clash with group leaders France in Saint-Etienne on Sunday, followed by a showdown with Colombia in Nice on Thursday. The implications of the points deduction and the absence of the banned coaches will undoubtedly impact Canada’s performance in the tournament.
The drone spying scandal has cast a shadow over Canada’s participation in the Paris Olympics women’s football tournament, with FIFA imposing strict penalties on the team and its coaches. The repercussions of the scandal, including the points deduction and bans for the coaching staff, have raised questions about fair play and sportsmanship in international competitions. As Canada navigates through the remainder of the tournament under interim leadership, the team will face challenges both on and off the field. The controversy surrounding the use of drones for spying serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and ethical standards in sports at all levels.
