In addition to the points deduction, national coach Bev Priestman, assistant Jasmine Mander and video analyst Joseph Lombardi were each banned from all football activities for one year.
The Canadian association must also pay a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs (around 208,000 euros). The world association FIFA announced the hefty fine after an assessment by its own appeal committee. An appeal against the verdict can be lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“No unethical behavior”
The Canadian association announced that it may take action against the point deduction. The relevant options are being discussed. The punishment is “excessive” for the players who had not shown any unethical behavior, said Kevin Blue, the head of the association. Due to the point deduction, Canada is now at minus three points in preliminary group A. The gold medal winners from Tokyo 2021 therefore have little chance of advancing.
Before Canada’s opening match at the Summer Games against New Zealand (2:1), there was a scandal because a drone had been used twice during the opposing team’s training. This was confirmed by Canada’s Olympic Committee. Priestman, Mander and Lombardi were suspended. The Canadians and Priestman personally apologized.
