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Update: Funding pulled amid Olympic women’s soccer team drone scandal

Saint John, NB, Canada / Country 94
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Jul 27, 2024 | 3:00 PM
Update: Funding pulled amid Olympic women's soccer team drone scandal

Canadian Women's Soccer National Team Coach Bev Priestman will voluntarily sit out the teams first Olympic match after members of her staff were accused of using drones to record their opponents practice. Photo: Evan Taylor



Another blow to Canada Soccer.

Canada Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough says suspended officials are getting their funding pulled amid the drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympic Games.

In a statement, Qualtrough says using a drone to surveil another team is “cheating” and there is a deeply “concerning pattern of behavior at Canada Soccer.”

“It is completely unfair to Canadian players and to opposing teams. It undermines the integrity of the game itself.

This comes after the decision from FIFA to deduct the women’s Olympic soccer team six points in Paris, and the three coaches facing a one-year ban.

“Beverly Priestman, Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander: each official suspended from taking part in any football-related activity for a period of one year.”

Another punishment includes a $200,000 Swiss Francs fine.

Head Coach Bev Priestman was already suspended for one year after two assistant coaches were found using a drone to spy on the New Zealand soccer team’s practice earlier in the week.

Officials ‘disappointed’

The CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee David Shoemaker in a statement says they feel awful for the team.

“We feel terrible for the athletes on the Canadian Women’s Olympic Soccer Team who as far as we understand played no role in this matter. In support of the athletes, together with Canada Soccer, we are exploring rights of appeal related to the six point deduction at this Olympic tournament.”

Canada Soccer CEO & General Secretary Kevin Blue in a statement expresses disappointment.

“Canada Soccer is disappointed with the impact of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision on our athletes. We are exploring options to appeal on the basis that it is excessively punitive towards our Women’s National Team players – who were not involved in any unethical behaviour. Canada Soccer took swift action to suspend the implicated staff members and is also proceeding with a broad independent review that may lead to further disciplinary action. We appreciate the understanding and support for our players from our Canadian fans during this time.”

Canada pulled out a win against France in their Sunday afternoon match, 2-1.

Vanessa Gilles scored the winning goal.

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