(Paris) FIFA stripped the Canadian women’s soccer team of six ranking points from the Paris Olympics and suspended three coaches for one year on Saturday in connection with the spying scandal rocking the organization.
Coaches Bev Priestman, Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander have all been sanctioned by the world’s soccer governing body.
PHOTO CHRIS YOUNG, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Former women’s national team coach Bev Priestman
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 connection with 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.
Excerpt from the FIFA press release
“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 Canadian Olympic Committee, together with Canada Soccer, immediately announced its intention to explore the possibility of appealing the decision.
“We are extremely disappointed for the athletes as our understanding of the situation is that they have nothing to do with this matter,” said David Shoemaker, COC CEO and Secretary General.
“Canada Soccer is disappointed with the impact of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision on our athletes,” added Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer CEO. “We are exploring the possibility of appealing the decision on the basis that it is excessively punitive for Team Canada players, who were not involved in the alleged conduct. Canada Soccer has taken swift action to suspend the personnel involved and is also moving forward with a broad independent review that may lead to further disciplinary action. We are grateful for the understanding and support of our Canadian fans for our players during this time.”
This sanction seriously weakens the Canadians, but does not mathematically condemn them in the race for the quarter-finals. A victory is worth three points, and Canada won its first match 2-1 against New Zealand. It still has to face France on Sunday, then Colombia on Wednesday. The top two in each group and the two best third-place finishers qualify for the quarter-finals.
On Wednesday, analyst Joseph Lombardi was sentenced to an eight-month suspended prison sentence for flying a drone over a New Zealand women’s training session ahead of Thursday’s match in Saint-Étienne.
“As Canadians, it’s not our values, it’s not our country. We’re not cheaters. It was very hard, but as players we were able to stick together,” defender Vanessa Gilles explained Thursday after the match against New Zealand, adding “it’s something that will follow us for a long time.”
Read the article “Potentially systemic” espionage methods”
Read the article on the reaction of the CEO and Secretary General of the COC, David Shoemaker