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Snapshot 2:Wed, Nov 13, 2024 3:28:53 PM GMT last edited by Mr Bot

Canada Soccer Fires Coach Over Olympic Drone Spying Scandal

BevCanada PriestmanSoccer FiredFires AmidCoach CanadaOver SoccerOlympic Drone Spying Scandal

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The Facts

  • The scandal emerged when New Zealand defender Rebekah Stott spotted a drone during training in Saint-Etienne, leading to the arrest of Canadian analyst Joseph Lombardi and subsequent FIFA sanctions including a $226,000 fine.

  • The investigation revealed a systematic pattern of surveillance predating the Paris Olympics, though no evidence was found of drone usage during Canada's gold-medal run at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

  • FIFA imposed a one-year suspension on Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joseph Lombardi, while also deducting six points from Canada's Olympic standings.

The Spin

The spying operation was a systematic, years-long practice that tainted multiple competitions and potentially compromised the integrity of Canada's previous achievements, including their historic Olympic gold medal, despite the investigation's limited scope in examining past tournaments.


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