Canada’s government has decided to withhold funding for the women’s football officials involved in the drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics. The defending women’s Olympic champions have been deducted six points, and head coach Bev Priestman has received a one-year ban from Fifa. In addition, Canadian Soccer Association officials Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander have been suspended from all football activities for a year. This decision comes after it was revealed that a drone was sent to monitor New Zealand’s training session, which Canadian Sports Minister Carla Qualtrough described as “cheating.” She expressed her deep regret and stated that this issue was causing significant distraction and embarrassment for Team Canada and all Canadians.
Qualtrough emphasized that this behavior was completely unfair to Canadian players and opposing teams, as it undermined the integrity of the game itself. As a result, the government of Canada has decided to withhold funding for the duration of the Fifa sanctions imposed on the suspended Canada Soccer officials. This funding is provided through Sport Canada, the government-led national body that supports elite-level national organizations in the country.
The controversy surrounding the drone spying scandal has raised concerns about the integrity of Canada’s women’s football program. David Shoemaker, the chief executive of the Canadian Olympic Committee, acknowledged that there might be information that could tarnish the team’s women’s football gold medal from the Tokyo Games. Canadian media reports have also suggested that drones had been used in previous tournaments, indicating a disturbing pattern of behavior within Canada Soccer.
Carla Qualtrough expressed her deep concern about this pattern of behavior, stressing the need to get to the bottom of the issue. The government of Canada has committed to closely monitoring the ongoing investigation and the outcomes of the Canada Soccer process. Additionally, the Future of Sport in Canada Commission has been established to make recommendations to the government on improving the Canadian sport system. It is clear that Canada is taking this matter seriously and is determined to address any issues that may compromise the integrity of its sports programs.
Despite the controversy, Canada’s women’s football team remains focused on their performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Assistant coach Andy Spence will lead the team in Bev Priestman’s absence. They have already secured three points with a victory over New Zealand in their opening Group A game in France. However, Fifa’s sanctions now leave them with a deficit of three points, and they face tough matches against the host nation and Colombia in their remaining group stage games.
The actions taken by Canada’s government demonstrate their commitment to upholding fair play and maintaining the integrity of sports. By withholding funding for the suspended officials, they send a clear message that cheating will not be tolerated. It is essential for all countries to prioritize the integrity of their sports programs, as it not only affects the reputation of the teams but also undermines the trust and confidence of fans and supporters. Through thorough investigations and strong governance, countries can work towards ensuring a level playing field for all athletes.