FIFA placed severe sanctions on the Canadian women’s football team following an alleged spying incident involving drones. 

On July 27, FIFA announced a penalty of six points deduction and a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs for Canada’s Olympic women’s football team. 

The sanctions also include a one-year suspension for head coach Beverly Priestman, as well as for Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst, and assistant coach Jasmine Mander.

FIFA's disciplinary measures stem from a series of incidents where Canadian staff allegedly used a drone to surveil New Zealand's closed practice sessions ahead of their match. 

In response, the Canadian government declared on July 28 that it would withhold funding related to the suspended Canada football officials. 

Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, denounced the use of drones for surveillance, labeling it as a form of cheating that undermines the integrity of the game.

- Details -

The controversy began on July 22 when French authorities detained a "non-accredited member" of the Canadian support team after a complaint from New Zealand. 

The individual was allegedly caught using a drone to record New Zealand’s practice ahead of their scheduled game against Canada on July 25. 

The New Zealand Olympic Committee expressed its dismay over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to Olympic integrity. 

They had formally submitted the issue to the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit and requested a thorough review.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) acknowledged the incident on July 24, revealing a "second drone incident" at a New Zealand practice on July 19. 

Following this revelation, the COC swiftly removed Lombardi and Mander from the Canadian team and sent them home. 

Priestman, who led Canada to gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, also stepped down from coaching the July 25 match as a gesture of accountability.

However, by July 26, the COC decided to remove Priestman from the Olympic team entirely, following further revelations of prior drone use against opponents. 

Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer, cited "additional information" as the reason for the decision. Assistant coach Andy Spence has taken over coaching duties for the remainder of the Olympics.

 - Match outcome -

Despite the scandal, Canada’s women’s team managed a narrow 2-1 victory over New Zealand on July 25. 

With the points deduction, however, Canada now finds itself at the bottom of its group with a -3 points deficit. 

The team will face France on July 28 and Colombia on July 31 in a bid to advance to the quarterfinals starting August 3. 

To progress, Canada will need to secure a top-two finish in their group.

- Appeal options -

FIFA's decision allows for a potential appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

David Shoemaker, CEO and Secretary General of the COC, indicated that they are considering exercising their rights to appeal the point deduction.