FIFA has cracked down on Canada after its women’s soccer assistant coach was caught using a drone to spy on New Zealand’s training ahead of Thursday’s opening game.
Organizers of the Olympic soccer tournament and World Cup competition said Saturday they would deduct six points from the Canadian women’s team and fine Canada Soccer $226,000 after New Zealand complained. FIFA also said it would ban assistant coaches Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander as well as head coach Beverley Priestman from football-related activities throughout the year. The report did not reveal what type of drone the assistant coach used.
Canadian Olympic Committee president David Shoemaker said Canada was “exploring options to appeal the decision.” Shoemaker singled out the six-point fine, calling it “unduly punitive for our women’s national team players – who were not involved in any unethical behavior.”
According to the Associated Press news report, Priestman denied knowing about the existence of spy drones, but said, “No matter what the details are, I will ultimately bear responsibility.” Under Priestman’s leadership, the Canadian women’s football team will be in 2021. Won the first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
