Canada’s Olympic women’s football team has been deducted six points and their coach, Beverly Priestman, suspended for a year after using a drone to spy on a rival team at the Paris Games, FIFA announced on Saturday.
FIFA stated that Canada’s football association failed to adhere to regulations prohibiting drones over training sites, resulting in a 200,000 Swiss franc ($226,000) fine.
This ruling severely impacts Canada’s chances of defending their Olympic title, leaving them with minus three points in Group A. Despite a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening game, they must win their next two matches to have any hope of reaching the quarter-finals.
Analyst Joey Lombardi received a suspended eight-month prison sentence for operating the drone over a New Zealand training session and has been sent home. Assistant Jasime Mander was also sent home, and Priestman withdrew from the game against New Zealand. Canada Soccer confirmed Priestman’s immediate suspension on Friday.
