FIFA bans Canada coach, deducts Olympic points in drone scandal

Field Level Media|published: Sat 27th July, 15:57 2024

Soccer: Women's Canadian National Team Celebration Tour

Apr 8, 2022; Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Canadian National team head coach Bev Priestman reacts on the side of the pitch against Women's Nigeria National team during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

FIFA banned Canada's women's soccer coach Bev Priestman for one year and subtracted six points from the team's total in the group stage of the Olympics as punishment for Canada flying a drone over an opponent's practice.

Also suspended for one year were assistant coach Jasmine Mander and team analyst Joseph Lombardi, and Canada Soccer was fined 200,000 Swiss francs (about $225,000 U.S.).

The latter two staff members already had been sent home by Canada, which won the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Games. That came after a drone flown by a Canada Soccer staff member disrupted a New Zealand training session on Monday, just days ahead of their opening match.

Canada defeated New Zealand 2-1 on Thursday, earning three points, and Priestman was removed as coach before the game.

The loss of the points will make it more difficult, but not impossible, for Canada to advance out of the group stage, which also is made up of France and Colombia. Canada and France meet Sunday.

FIFA found that Canada had violated both FIFA's code of conduct and Olympic regulations regarding fair play.

Canada Soccer could seek an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

--Field Level Media