Paris Olympics 2024: Canada Women’s Football Team hit with FIFA penalties for drone spying scandal

New Delhi: Canada’s women’s football team faces big penalties in the ongoing Olympics due to a drone spying on a rival team’s training. FIFA has deducted six points from their group standings and banned coach Bev Priestman for one year. The Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) was also fined £175,720.

The trouble started when a drone was flown over New Zealand’s training session. FIFA investigated and found Canada guilty of breaking fair play rules. Alongside Priestman, CSA officials Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander were also banned for a year.

“The officials were each found responsible for offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play in connection with the CSA’s Women’s representative team’s drones usage in the scope of the Olympic football tournament,” FIFA stated.

Priestman stepped down from her role for Canada’s first game against New Zealand after the drone incident was reported. Despite this, Canada won 2-1. However, the points deduction puts Canada in a tough spot, needing to win their next two matches to advance to the quarter-finals.

CANADA HEAD COACH BANNED FOR A YEAR, TEAM DEDUCTED SIX POINTS OVER DRONE GATE 🇨🇦

FIFA bars Priestman & two staffers involved in spying scheme from all football for 12 months ⛔️

Defending Olympic champions now on -3 points. Swift justice, does the punishment fit the crime? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/flB1fLh45e

— The Women’s Game (@WomensGameMIB) July 27, 2024

CSA Chief Executive Kevin Blue and Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Executive David Shoemaker are considering an appeal. Blue argued that the penalties were too harsh on the players, who had nothing to do with the spying. He stated that the sanctions were “excessively punitive” towards the players.

Shoemaker added that the athletes played no role in the matter and expressed sympathy for the team. FIFA’s investigation showed that Canada’s football association didn’t follow the rules against using drones over training sites. This led to a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs ($226,000) and a point deduction. This is a big blow to Canada’s hopes of defending their Olympic title from the Tokyo Games three years ago.

Analyst Joey Lombardi was sent home after receiving a suspended eight-month prison sentence for his part in the drone spying. Assistant coach Jasmine Mander was also sent home, and both were banned by FIFA from football activities for a year.

Kevin Blue explained that the players had no involvement in the drone use, asking FIFA to consider this in their sanctions. The players were upset about the incident. Defender Vanessa Gilles mentioned the frustration and humiliation felt by the team, stating it doesn’t reflect their values or those of their country.

Head coach of Canada Beverly Priestman who recently got fired due to her extensive involvement in the drone spying scandal. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

The Canadian Soccer Association and the Canadian Olympic Committee are looking into an appeal. If the points deduction stays, Canada needs to win all their remaining group matches to advance. Their next game is against group leaders France on Sunday in Saint-Etienne, followed by a match against Colombia in Nice.

Taking points away from a team in the middle of a tournament is rare. This incident has put a dark cloud over Canada’s Olympic journey. Kevin Blue emphasized that Canada Soccer acted quickly by suspending the involved staff members and is conducting an independent review that might lead to more disciplinary actions.

This scandal affects the team’s chances and raises questions about ethics in sports. Everyone is watching to see how the Canadian team will handle these challenges on and off the field.