Sport Canada has announced the suspension of funding for the salaries of women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman and two other team officials, following a drone scandal that has cast a shadow over the Paris Olympic soccer tournament. The incident, which involved using a drone to spy on another team during a closed practice, has been deemed an embarrassment to Canadians.
Canada’s team was penalized six points, a significant setback in their quest to retain the Olympic title. Additionally, Priestman, along with officials Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander, received a one-year ban from any soccer-related activities by FIFA.
Sport Canada’s Response:
“Using a drone to surveil another team during a closed practice is cheating,” said Canada’s sport minister Carla Qualtrough in a statement. “It is completely unfair to Canadian players and to opposing teams. It undermines the integrity of the game itself. Given that the Women’s Program receives funding from Sport Canada, we are withholding funding relating to suspended Canada Soccer officials for the duration of their FIFA sanction.”
Sport Canada is currently determining the exact amount of funding to be withheld, assuring that the overall funding for the women’s program will not be impacted. “There is a deeply concerning pattern of behavior at Canada Soccer,” the statement added. “We must, and will, get to the bottom of this. This issue has caused significant distraction and embarrassment for Team Canada and all Canadians here in Paris and at home.”
Canada Soccer’s Position:
Canada Soccer has expressed its intention to appeal the six-point penalty imposed by FIFA, which leaves Canada with minus three points in Group A with two matches remaining. The team is scheduled to face France later on Sunday.
Support from Former Players:
Former Canada players have rallied in support of the team amidst the scandal. “Furious. Fuming. Sad. Heartbroken. These players don’t deserve this,” tweeted Stephanie Labbe, former goalkeeper who helped Canada win gold in Tokyo. “They’ve been let down by so many of their own people, not just NT (national team) staff.”
Diana Matheson, who retired in 2020 after 206 appearances for Canada, voiced her unwavering support for the team. “I stand with the players. I’m with you. Canadians are with you. Last game, next game, all the games, we are right there with you,” she said.
The scandal continues to develop as Canada Soccer navigates the repercussions and seeks ways to mitigate the damage done to the team’s Olympic aspirations and reputation.
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Written By Joe Brens