Canada Appeals FIFA's Six-Point Deduction Amid Drone-Spying Scandal
- Canada has officially appealed a six-point deduction imposed by FIFA due to alleged drone surveillance during the women's soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics.
- The decision has sparked controversy, raising questions about FIFA's regulatory measures and the implications for the national team.
- The appeal reflects Canada's commitment to defending its position amidst the scandal.
PARIS — The Canadian soccer federation has formally appealed a six-point deduction imposed by FIFA due to allegations of drone spying during the women’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics. The appeal was registered with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday, with a verdict expected just hours before Canada’s crucial group-stage match against Colombia on Wednesday. FIFA's sanctions, announced on Saturday, also included a one-year ban for head coach Bev Priestman and two assistant coaches. The Canadian federation argues that the penalty is disproportionate and unjustly punishes the athletes, who were not involved in the alleged misconduct. In a statement, they emphasized that the sanctions exceed what is necessary to ensure fairness in the competition. Canada, which has already secured victories against New Zealand and France, is in a position to advance to the quarterfinals, even if the appeal is unsuccessful. As the team prepares for their match in Nice, the deduction has erased the points gained from their earlier wins, complicating their path forward in the tournament. Canadian officials maintain that no players participated in any cheating, suggesting that the issue may be part of a broader systemic problem. Coach Priestman, who has led the team since 2020, expressed her heartbreak for the players and has stepped back from her coaching duties following the allegations. The outcome of the appeal could significantly impact Canada’s chances in the tournament, as they seek to navigate the fallout from this scandal.