Canada Appeals FIFA's Six-Point Deduction Over Drone-Spying Scandal

Canada has appealed against a six-point deduction imposed by FIFA for allegedly using a drone to spy on New Zealand's practices during the Paris Olympics women's soccer tournament. The Court of Arbitration for Sport will deliver a verdict hours before Canada plays its last group-stage match against Colombia.

Canada is challenging FIFA's decision to dock six points from their standing over a drone-spying incident at the Paris Olympics women's soccer tournament. A ruling is expected just hours before Canada competes in its final group-stage match against Colombia on Wednesday.

FIFA penalized defending Olympic champions Canada and banned coach Bev Priestman and two assistants for a year, following allegations they used a drone to spy on New Zealand's training sessions. In response, the Canadian soccer federation and the nation's Olympic committee filed a formal appeal on Monday.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport will expedite the case, holding a hearing on Tuesday with a verdict promised by midday Wednesday. While the coaches' bans are not included in the appeal, Canada needs the verdict to clarify their standings before facing Colombia. Despite the penalty, Canada could still reach the quarterfinals depending on outcomes in their final match and results in other games.

Canadian officials insist no players were involved in the alleged espionage, which they claim is a systemic issue that has been occurring for years. Bev Priestman, who has coached the team since 2020, has expressed remorse and might personally appeal to the court.

(With inputs from agencies.)