Canada Soccer ‘disappointed’ and will appeal Olympic spying scandal decision

Canada Soccer issued a statement on Saturday afternoon as the country was still reeling from the news the Canadian women’s soccer team at the Paris Olympics will have points deducted after the drone spying scandal earlier this week.

After a fast-track appeal decision, soccer’s governing body FIFA said the team would have six points deducted in Paris, as well as banning head coach Bev Priestman, team analyst Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander for one year each from participating in the sport.

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Soccer Canada was also fined more than $300,000 after Lombardi and Mander were caught using drones to spy on New Zealand’s practices before the teams played their opening game on Thursday, which resulted in a 2-1 win for Canada.

FIFA said the decision was made due to the possibility that the outcome of the proceedings affects the development of the ongoing Olympic tournament, and the officials were each found responsible for offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play.

“Canada Soccer is disappointed with the impact of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision on our athletes,” Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue said in a statement on Saturday.

“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.”

Blue said that Canada Soccer took swift action to suspend the implicated staff members and was undertaking an independent review that may lead to further disciplinary action.

Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker said the organization was supporting that appeal.

“We feel terrible for the athletes …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,” Shoemaker said in a statement.

With files from Canadian Press

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