Drone-Spying Scandal Canada Challenges 6-Point Deduction by FIFA at Paris Olympics Court

PARIS: Hours before the team’s final group-stage match of the Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament on July 31, Canada filed an appeal against FIFA docking them six points for a drone-spying scandal. A decision is anticipated soon. Drone-Spying Scandal Canada Challenges News in USA

FIFA penalized Canada on Saturday for allegedly using a drone to spy on opponent New Zealand’s sessions, and coach Bev Priestman and two assistant coaches were also suspended for a year. Canada was the reigning Olympic champion. Drone-Spying Scandal Canada Challenges News in USA

The Court of Arbitration for Sport officially registered the anticipated legal action by the Canadian soccer federation and Olympic committee in a fast-track proceeding on July 29.

According to CAS, an appeal hearing is scheduled for July 30 and a decision is expected from the three judges on the panel by July 31 at noon. This case has nothing to do with the coaches’ sanctions. Drone-Spying Scandal Canada Challenges News in USA

On July 31, Canada plays Colombia in Nice, and prior to the game, it needs to know its current situation.

Canada’s points gained from winning its opening two matches against New Zealand and France were eliminated due to the FIFA punishment. On July 28, Canada surprised France 2-1 with a second-half comeback that was rounded off by a goal in the 12th minute of stoppage time.

Even with a defeat on the court and a victory in the field on July 31, Canada might still make it to the quarterfinals of the 12-team competition. In each of the three groups, the two third-place teams go to the knockout phase.

No athlete was implicated in any alleged cheating, according to Canadian officials, who believe that cheating may have been a widespread issue for years.

The team’s coach since 2020, Ms. Priestman, has expressed regret and stated that she is absolutely heartbroken for the players.
The 38-year-old English coach still has the option to file an individual appeal with CAS on her FIFA ban.