FIFA has imposed severe sanctions on the Canadian women’s soccer team for using drones to spy on opponents during the Paris 2024 Olympics. The team has been docked six points in the tournament, effectively putting them at minus three points in the group stage. This penalty significantly diminishes Canada’s chances of advancing to the quarterfinals and defending their Olympic title.In addition to the point deduction, FIFA has fined the Canadian Soccer Association 200,000 Swiss francs (approximately $226,000). The disciplinary measures also include one-year bans from all football-related activities for head coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joseph Lombardi.The scandal came to light when a drone linked to the Canadian team was spotted flying over New Zealand’s training sessions on July 19 and 22 in Saint-Étienne. The New Zealand Olympic Committee filed a complaint, leading to an investigation.This incident has raised questions about the integrity of the Canadian team’s past performances. According to TSN, both Canada’s men’s and women’s teams have allegedly been using drones to record closed-door training sessions of their opponents for several years, including during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the women’s team won gold. This revelation has cast a shadow over their previous achievements.Despite the sanctions, Canada remains in the competition. However, their path forward is extremely challenging. To have any chance of advancing, they will likely need to win their remaining matches against France and Colombia. The Canadian Soccer Association has indicated it may appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing that the punishment is excessively harsh towards the players who were not involved in any unethical behavior.This scandal has not only jeopardized Canada’s Olympic campaign but has also sparked a broader discussion about ethics in sports and the use of technology for gaining unfair advantages in international competitions.
Key points
- FIFA has deducted six points from Canada’s women’s soccer team in the Paris Olympics for drone spying.
- Three Canadian coaches, including head coach Bev Priestman, have been banned for one year.
- The Canadian Soccer Association has been fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($226,000).
- The scandal may have implications for Canada’s past achievements, including their 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal.
Contradictions👾While most sources report a one-year ban for the coaches, one source states that FIFA suspended the Canadian women’s soccer team for one year, which contradicts the information about the team still being in the competition.
