FIFA has handed down a one-year ban to Bev Priestman, head coach of the Canada women’s football team, along with analyst Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander, following a controversy involving the use of drones to spy on their opponents. The bans come after allegations emerged that the Canadian officials used drones to surveil New Zealand’s coaching sessions prior to their match on July 22.
FIFA’s investigation concluded that the trio engaged in “offensive behaviour” and violated the “principles of fair play.” As a result of the scandal, Canada has been penalized with a six-point deduction in Group A of the Olympic football tournament and fined 200,000 Swiss francs (approximately £175,000). Despite the points deduction, Canada remains in contention for the tournament but must win their remaining two group matches to advance.
Priestman, 38, who led Canada to an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, has been suspended and removed from the ongoing tournament. Lombardi and Mander were also sent home. Priestman has denied direct involvement in the spying incident but agreed to step aside for the match against New Zealand, which Canada won 2-1 under interim guidance from Andy Spence, former manager of Everton women’s team.
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) reported that a “non-accredited member” of the Canada Soccer support team was detained by French authorities in Saint-Étienne for improper drone use. Kevin Blue, CEO and general secretary of Canada Soccer, revealed that further details about previous incidents involving drone surveillance have surfaced, raising concerns about potential misconduct during the Tokyo Olympics.
David Shoemaker, COC chief executive, expressed dismay at the situation, emphasizing the potential damage to Canada’s Olympic achievements. “It makes me ill to think that something could tarnish what was one of my favorite Olympic moments in history,” he said. He assured that Canada Soccer will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations, including those related to the Tokyo Games.
FIFA's statement highlighted that the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) failed to comply with regulations prohibiting drone use over training sites. The governing body stressed that the decision is subject to appeal, which could be expedited through a special fast-track process at the Court of Arbitration for Sport during the Olympics.
As the scandal unfolds, the Canadian team faces mounting pressure and scrutiny while they continue their campaign in the tournament.
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