Olympic soccer

Six points deducted for Canada after drone scandal

As a result of the point deduction, Canada now stands at minus three points in the preliminary round Group A ...(Bild: AP/Silvia Izquierdo, tostphoto – stock.adobe.com)

Canada's female soccer players have been deducted six points in the current Olympic tournament due to the spying incidents involving a drone!

In addition to the points deduction, national coach Bev Priestman, assistant Jasmine Mander and video analyst Joseph Lombardi have each been banned from all soccer activities for one year.

The Canadian association must also pay a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs (around 208,000 euros). The world governing body FIFA announced the severe penalty following an assessment by its own appeals committee. An appeal against the verdict can be lodged with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Penalty "excessive" for the players
The Canadian federation has announced that it may take legal action against the points deduction. The relevant options are being discussed. The penalty was "excessive" against the players, who had not shown any unethical behavior, said Kevin Blue, head of the association.

Only a slim chance of progressing
As a result of the points deduction, Canada is now on minus three points in the preliminary round Group A. The gold medal winners from Tokyo 2021 now only have a slim chance of progressing.

Before Canada's opening game at the Summer Games against New Zealand (2:1), there had been a scandal because a drone had been used twice during the opponents' training session. This was confirmed by Canada's Olympic Committee. Priestman, Mander and Lombardi were suspended. The Canadians and Priestman personally apologized.