CAS Upholds Canada’s Points Deduction in Drone Scandal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed Canada's appeal against a six-point deduction imposed on their women's soccer team at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a drone scandal. The incident involved Canadian staff allegedly using drones to spy on New Zealand's training sessions, which led to FIFA suspending coach Bev Priestman and two officials for one year. Following the points deduction, Canada found themselves in a precarious position in Group A, needing a victory against Colombia to advance to the quarter-finals. Canada Soccer expressed disappointment with the CAS ruling, arguing that the players should not be penalized for actions beyond their control and initiated an independent review of the matter. The scandal marks a significant fall from grace for the reigning Olympic champions, raising questions about the extent of knowledge among Canadian officials regarding the drone activities. As the situation unfolds, the team’s chances for Olympic success hang in the balance amidst scrutiny and ongoing investigations.