What Will Happen to Canadian Soccer?
The allegations against the Canadian men’s and women’s national soccer teams for filming their opponents’ closed-door training sessions are deeply concerning. As a Canadian, I am deeply disappointed by these revelations. The claims suggest a pattern of such behaviour dating back several years and implicate various staff and contractors. Key incidents include:
- 2021 Women’s Olympic Tournament: Allegations that Canadian staff filmed opponents during their gold-medal run.
- July 2022: A Canadian contractor allegedly caught filming Panama’s training before a World Cup qualifier, leading to a complaint.
- 2019: Reports of using a drone to record a U.S. training session before a game in Florida.
- Tokyo 2021 Olympics: A coach allegedly filmed Japan’s closed training sessions. Canada tied Japan 1-1 in its first game during the Tokyo Olympics. I was at the Tokyo Olympics and on the flight back to Canada with the gold-winning women’s team. There was so much excitement and elation for our women’s team when they boarded our flight. This news has had a profound impact on me, tarnishing the pride and joy I felt during that moment.
- 2023 Women’s World Cup Preparation: A contractor was reportedly asked to film opponents’ training in Australia but refused to do so, resulting in his replacement.
Recent events at the Paris Olympics have intensified scrutiny. Assistant coach, Jasmine Mander and analyst, Joseph Lombardi were sent back to Canada after Lombardi was caught using a drone to film New Zealand’s training sessions. Head coach, Bev Priestman has been removed from her position for the remainder of the tournament due to new information on previous drone use.
FIFA came down hard on the program over the weekend. Six points were docked from the squad, Canada Soccer was given a hefty fine and three coaches — including head coach, Bev Priestman — were suspended for one year.
The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canada Soccer are appealing the point deduction from FIFA. A hearing is scheduled for July 30, 2024, before a Tribunal of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Paris. The Tribunal’s decision is expected the next day on July 31, 2024.
The allegations in Paris have sparked investigations by both FIFA and Canada Soccer, with Canada Soccer promising an independent third-party investigation. This situation underscores the need for strict adherence to ethical standards in sports, as well as the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing such serious claims. We have to wait and see how this situation unfolds but for now, the Government of Canada is withholding some of Soccer Canada’s funding.