Paris Olympics: FIFA deducts Canada six points over drone spying scandal

FIFA has deducted Canada six points from the Olympic women’s football tournament and ban head coach Bev Priestman for one year following the drone spying scandal.

Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer, were also sent home on Wednesday after a drone was believed to have recorded New Zealand training sessions on two separate occasions.

On Saturday, FIFA published the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), Priestman, Lombardi and Mander, confirming that the trio have been suspended from taking part in any football-related activity for one year.

Aside being deducted six points, the world football governing body also fine Canada $226,000.

“CSA was found responsible for failing to respect the applicable FIFA regulations in connection with its failure to ensure the compliance of its participating officials of the OFT with the prohibition on flying drones over any training sites,” the statement from FIFA read.

“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 OFT.

“CSA and its officials have been notified of the terms of the FIFA Appeal Committee’s decision today.

“In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), they have ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com.

“The decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

In response to FIFA’s decision, Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary Kevin Blue said: “Canada Soccer is disappointed with the impact of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision on our athletes.

“We are exploring options to appeal on the basis that it is excessively punitive towards our Women’s National Team players – who were not involved in any unethical behaviour. Canada Soccer took swift action to suspend the implicated staff members and is also proceeding with a broad independent review that may lead to further disciplinary action.

“We appreciate the understanding and support for our players from our Canadian fans during this time.”

“It makes me ill, it makes me sick to my stomach to think that there could be something that calls it into question,” he added.

The points deduction, if upheld does not eliminate Canada from the tournament. It could mean the team must win all three games in Group A and hope to advance with three points, likely as runner-up in the standings.

They now face France in Group A on Sunday.