Canada Soccer Funding Withheld Over Drone Scandal

Canada's sports minister Carla Qualtrough announced that the federal government will withhold some funding from Canada Soccer following a drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics. The scandal led to FIFA docking six points from the women's Olympic soccer team, banning head coach Bev Priestman and two staff members for one year, and fining Canada Soccer approximately $313,000. The allegations involve the use of drones to spy on New Zealand's closed practices before their opening match. Qualtrough emphasized a concerning pattern of behavior within Canada Soccer and pledged to support an ongoing investigation. Priestman apologized and took accountability, while Canada Soccer plans to appeal the sanctions. The Canadian Olympic Committee also expressed support for the athletes, who were uninvolved in the scandal.