Sport Canada is withholding funding linked to women's soccer coach Bev Priestman and two other suspended team officials, saying the drone scandal that rocked the Paris Olympics is an embarrassment for all Canadians.
Canada was stripped of six points, a major blow to their hopes of defending their Olympic title, while Priestman and referees Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander were banned from all soccer-related activity for one year by FIFA after allegations earlier this month that Canadian staff had used a drone to spy on closed-door training sessions of opponents.
“The use of a drone to spy on another team during closed training sessions is cheating,” Canada's Minister of Sport Carla Kwartlauf said in a statement. “It is completely unfair to Canadian players and opposing teams and undermines the integrity of the game itself. Because the women's program is funded by Sport Canada, we will be withholding funding for Canadian Soccer Association officials for the duration of the FIFA sanction.”
“There is a pattern of behaviour within Canada Soccer that is extremely concerning. We must, and will, get to the bottom of this matter. This matter has caused great confusion and embarrassment to the Canadian national team and to all Canadians here in Paris and across the country.”
The Canadian Soccer Association said it is considering how to appeal the six-point deduction imposed by FIFA that left Canada with minus three points in Group A with two games remaining.
Canada is scheduled to play France later Sunday.
Former Canadian national team players are cheering on the team.
“I'm angry, sad and heartbroken. No player should have to go through this,” said former goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe, who helped Canada win gold in Tokyo. Post to X“They are not just our own people. [national team] staff.
“I stand with these players and all the players who have been a part of this program and worked so hard to build this program, not tear it down.”
Diana Matheson, who played 206 games for Canada during her 17-year career and retired in 2020, offered her full support to the players.
“Like many Canadians, I have been dealing with a lot of emotions about this case, which has been a huge distraction from not only the women's national team, but the entire Canadian Olympic team.” She wrote.
“I am with the players. I am with you. Canadians are with you. Last game, next game, every game, we are with you. You take six points away from us? Fine, let's go for nine.”
