FIFA has suspended Canada’s Priestman, docked the side six points from their Olympics group stage tally, and also imposed a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs ($226,000), after a drone was flown over a training session against New Zealand before the tournament began.
The team are also alleged to have used the technology before the 2021 tournament began, and they went on to win a gold medal, although their points deduction will massively hamper their chances of a repeat.
Canada’s drone flight happened three days before the opening of the Olympic football tournament, with New Zealand lodging a complaint against the use of the drone. Joseph Lombardi – an “unaccredited analyst” – was arrested by French police, having also filmed another New Zealand session. Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander were both removed from the Olympic team swiftly after, while Priestman was suspended. FIFA have now come down remarkably hard on the team.
FIFA said in a statement: “CSA (Canadian Soccer Association) was found responsible for failing to respect the applicable FIFA regulations in connection with its failure to ensure the compliance of its participating officials of the OFT with the prohibition on flying drones over any training sites.
“The officials were each found responsible for offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play in connection with the CSA’s Women’s representative team’s drones usage in the scope of the OFT.”
It is possible for Canada to qualify through the group stages despite their points deduction because third-placed teams will also advance, akin to the European Championship. Canada would likely need to win at least one of their remaining games, however.
