FIFA has deducted six points from Canada’s women’s soccer team and banned two of its coaches for using a drone to spy on an opponent.
Despite the setback, Canada managed to stay in contention by defeating hosts France 2-1 in their second game of the tournament.
The world governing body of football, FIFA, announced the penalties on Saturday evening, Paris time. The sanctions included a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs ($226,000) and a one-year ban for head coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joseph Lombardi from all football-related activities. Canada Soccer had already sent the three home before the announcement.
The FIFA judges found that the Canadian staff members were “responsible for offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play,” specifically noting the prohibition on flying drones over training sites.
Following the decision, David Shoemaker, head of the Canadian Olympic Committee, stated that the COC, in support of the athletes and alongside Canada Soccer, is “exploring rights of appeal related to the six-point deduction at this Olympic tournament.”
Canada Soccer President Kevin Blue criticized the sanctions, calling them “excessively punitive towards our Women’s National Team players – who were not involved in any unethical behaviour.”
The penalty significantly impacts Canada’s chances of defending their Olympic gold medal from the Tokyo Games. Despite a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their first match, the six-point deduction left Canada with minus three points entering their second game against France.
A dramatic goal by Vanessa Gilles in the 12th minute of stoppage time secured a 2-1 win for Canada, keeping their hopes alive.
The controversy began when New Zealand’s support team spotted a drone over their training session, leading to the arrest of Lombardi.
He confessed and received an eight-month suspended sentence. FIFA’s swift investigation and subsequent sanctions followed.
In response to the scandal, often referred to as “Dronegate,” Canada’s Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, Carla Qualtrough, announced a partial suspension of government funding for Canada Soccer.
She condemned the use of a drone to surveil another team, stating it undermines the integrity of the game.
