By Canada women’s soccer coach Beverly Priestman has been handed a one-year ban by FIFA in response to Canada’s use of a drone over New Zealand’s training sessions.
Soccer’s governing body announced on Saturday the disciplinary action following a spying scandal that emerged after reports of a drone recording two closed practices conducted by New Zealand’s team.
Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and staffer Joseph Lombardi were also suspended. All three had already been removed from the team, and Priestman was previously suspended by Canada Soccer.
Additionally, Canada Soccer was fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($313,000). FIFA judges concluded that Priestman and her assistants “were each responsible for offensive behavior and violation of the principles of fair play.”
Canada started its Olympic campaign with a 2-1 victory over New Zealand, but the three points gained from that match are nullified by the sanctions.
The Canadians will face host France on Sunday in Saint-Étienne.
