FIFA stripped Canada’s women’s soccer team of six ranking points from the Paris Olympics and suspended three coaches for one year Saturday in connection with the spying scandal rocking the organization.
Coaches Beverly Priestman, Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander have all been sanctioned by the world’s soccer governing body.
In addition, FIFA imposed a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs (CAD$312,700).
“This decision was taken due to the possibility that the outcome of the proceedings could affect the development of the ongoing women’s Olympic soccer tournament,” FIFA said in a statement.
“The Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) has been found liable for non-compliance with applicable FIFA regulations in relation to its failure to ensure compliance by its officials participating in the Women’s Olympic Soccer Tournament with the ban on flying drones over any training venue,” it added.
“The officials were each found responsible for offensive conduct and violations of the principles of fair play in connection with the use of drones by the Canadian team participating in the women’s Olympic soccer tournament,” it concluded.
The ACS now has 10 days to request a detailed explanation of the decision, and can still challenge the sanctions before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
More details to come.
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