The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has punished the Canada Women’s National Team by deducting 6 points and banning staff members for 1 year due to the use of drones to spy on their opponents.
Earlier this week, officials from the French 2024 Olympics arrested members of the Canadian women’s soccer team on charges of using drones to spy on their opponents (New Zealand) and film their training sessions. As a result, assistant coach Jasmine Mander and uncertified analyst Joseph Lombardi from Canada Soccer were sent back.
Beverly Priestman, head coach of the Canadian women’s soccer team, took responsibility and withdrew from coaching the opening match against New Zealand and the entire tournament, as ordered by the Canada Olympic Committee (COC).
After evaluating all evidence, the Chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee issued the following sanctions for violations of Art. 13 of the FDC (Offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play) and Art. 6.1 of the OFT Regulations (Responsibilities):
- Automatic deduction of six points from the Canadian Soccer Association’s Women’s representative team’s standing in Group A of the OFT, and a fine of CHF 200,000 (RM1,054,134).
- Beverly Priestman, Joseph Lombardi, and Jasmine Mander: Each official suspended from taking part in any football-related activity for a period of one year.
FIFA stated, “Each official was found guilty of misconduct and violations of the Fair Play Principles in relation to the use of drones by the women’s team.”
Assistant coach Andy Spence will take over as coach of the Canadian women’s team at the 2024 Olympics until the end of the tournament.
Credit Photo : Canada Olympic
