Paris 2024: Canada Women’s Team Penalized by FIFA for Drone Spying Scandal

The body governing world football, FIFA, has penalized the Canada women’s football team for their drone spying scandal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The New Zealand women’s team coaching staff initially raised concerns, reporting that Canadian staff flew drones over their training sessions prior to their opening fixture, which Canada won 2-1.

Upon investigation, FIFA found Canada guilty of spying on New Zealand’s training sessions. Allegations suggest this misconduct dates back to 2017. Two assistant coaches were caught using drones to surveil New Zealand’s practices before their opening game on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

FIFA released a statement on its website confirming the sanctions: Canada Women’s soccer team will have six points deducted (currently at -3). The Canadian Soccer Federation faces a $226,000 fine. Head coach Bev Priestman, along with staff analysts Jasmine Mander and Joey Lombardi, have been suspended from all soccer activities for one year.

Bev Priestman, who previously led Canada to Olympic gold in 2021, was suspended by the national soccer federation and removed from the Olympic tournament.