Photo Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Soccer’s foremost international body, FIFA, has imposed heavy sanctions on Canada Soccer, the women’s national team, and three coaching staff members in response to the drone scandal.
Head coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and technical analyst Joseph Lombardi have each been suspended from all football-related activities for one year. Canada Soccer has also been fined $313,000 Canadian Dollars.
Furthermore, the women’s national team has been deducted six points from Group A competition at the Paris Olympics football tournament, putting them in last place with negative three points after their victory over New Zealand, the team spied on by the drones, on matchday one.
FIFA’s statement on the sanctions highlights Canada Soccer’s failure to comply with regulations regarding drone flights over training sites and the offensive behavior of the officials involved.
Canada Soccer is deliberating on appealing the sanctions, with CEO Kevin Blue expressing disappointment and exploring options to support the affected players.
The point deduction affects Canada’s chances of advancing in the tournament, making it a challenging road ahead for them to secure a spot in the knockout round.
The move to dock points mid-tournament sends a clear message that cheating will not be tolerated, putting Canada in a must-win situation as they strive to defend their Olympic title.
Former players have come forward with statements expressing support for the affected players and disappointment in the federation’s actions.
