PARIS — Canada were deducted six points from the Olympic women's soccer tournament and their head coach Bev Priestman banned for a year, global governing body FIFA said on Saturday, following a drone spying scandal that has tainted their gold medal defense.
Priestman, who has coached the team since 2020, and Canadian officials Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander have been banned from any soccer-related activity for one year for "offensive behavior and violation of the principles of fair play", FIFA said.
Canada points deducted in Olympics
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
BREAKING: Canada has been deducted 6 points in women’s soccer at the Olympics.
Just now from FIFA.Fined 200,000 CHF too.
Bev Priestman, Jasmine Mander and Joey Lombardi suspended from football activities for one year.
CAS appeal possible.
Release: https://t.co/KpYO47eqfz pic.twitter.com/OTFLEcY3DG
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) July 27, 2024
New Zealand complained that Canadian staff flew drones over their training sessions before their opening fixture at the Olympics, which Canada won 2-1.
The incident caused Priestman and the other officials involved to be suspended by Canada Soccer, the sport's national governing body, and sent home from the Games.
There was no immediate comment from Canada Soccer or the Canadian Olympic Committee.
On Friday, former Canadian national team players Christine Sinclair and Stephanie Labbe said players had never been shown drone footage during their time on the team.
Canada are scheduled to play France on Sunday and take on Colombia on Wednesday. The top two teams in each group and the two best 3rd-ranked teams qualify for the Olympic quarter-finals.
(Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber and Simon Jennings in ParisEditing by Toby Davis and Alison Williams)
