Canada women's soccer rocked by punishment for 2024 Paris Olympics spying scandal

FIFA has handed down a six-point deduction to Canada in the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament, slapping a one-year ban on three coaches involved in a drone spying scandal. The news has sent shockwaves through the soccer world, dramatically altering the landscape of the competition.

Canada's women's soccer team found itself at the center of an Olympic drama after a drone was spotted hovering over New Zealand's training session ahead of their match in the Paris Games. The incident has left a cloud of controversy and prompted swift action from authorities, resulting in a $226,110 fine after New Zealand women's soccer team reported the flying tech.

Taking full responsibility, Canada’s head coach, Bev Priestman, was suspended by the Canadian Soccer Association [CSA] while an internal investigation ensued. The plot thickened when analyst Joseph Lombardi received an eight-month suspended jail sentence from a French court after admitting to flying a drone in an area without a license , adding a legal spectacle to the unfolding drama.

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Following a thorough investigation, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee referred the case to the Appeal Committee due to the potential impact on the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament and to protect the rights of those involved. The final decision, aimed at preserving the integrity of the competition, determined that drone usage could have unfairly influenced the tournament’s outcome.

FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the CSA and its officials, including Priestman, Lombardi, and Jasmine Mander, the team's assistant coach. Canada's women’s soccer team faced backlash after securing a 2-1 victory against New Zealand, a match tainted by controversy following the drone incident. Reports have suggested that Canadian soccer teams have utilized drones "going back years."

Canada's women's soccer team punched their ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a double-header against Jamaica that had fans on the edge of their seats. The action kicked off on Sept. 22 in Jamaica, where Canada dominated with a 2-0 victory. But the real spectacle unfolded at a packed BMO Field in Toronto, where nearly 30,000 roaring fans witnessed a nail-biting 2-1 win, sealing the series with a 4-1 aggregate score.

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The team will now embark on a more turbulent flight alongside France, Colombia, and New Zealand in Group A. Despite sharing three points with France and holding second place in the standings, the immediate six-point deduction casts a shadow over their efforts, sending them immediately to the bottom of the pack.

In a swift response to the scandal, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced that Priestman would be removed from her head coaching duties for the remainder of the Games, handing the reins to assistant coach Andy Spence. This move has ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans demanding Priestman's permanent removal.