Canada’s soccer women are tired of living through Olympic spy scandal

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SAINT-ETIENNE – When it starts to feel like there could not possibly be more news about the drone scandal — a new chapter begins.

On Saturday, the latest update on the spy investigation was from FIFA, and the ruling from soccer’s governing body put the medal hopes of the Canadian women’s soccer team on life support. The organization issued a six-point deduction in the group stage for this Olympics and banned head coach Bev Priestman, analyst Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander from all soccer-related activity for one year. Canada Soccer will also be fined 200,000 Swiss francs — nearly CAD $313,000.

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Lombardi, an unaccredited staff member, and Mander, an assistant coach to whom he reported, were sent home earlier in the week after the drone was discovered spying on New Zealand’s practice during preparation for a match against the Canadians.

Before the FIFA ruling Saturday, the Canadian team practised at Stade Auguste Dury in Saint-Etienne – the training pitch where the spying took place – and some veteran players spoke out about how they were dealing with the fallout from the scandal.

“I think we’re all feeling a lot of different ways about a lot of things right now,” defender Vanessa Gilles said. “Lots of emotions, lots of work with sports therapists to try to stay calm. Right now, I feel really frustrated but also really hurt that (newer players) are thrown into this when it’s supposed to be the culmination of years and years of hard work.

“Cloé Lacasse had her first Olympic game and Olympic goal and all we’re talking about is this shit, pardon my language.”

FIFA said the decision was reached now due to the possibility that the outcome of the proceedings could affect the ongoing tournament. The point deduction leaves a tricky – but not impossible – path for Canada to reach the knockout stage and defend its gold medal.

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The Canadian Olympic Committee said in a statement it will explore the rights of appeal related to the six-point deduction in the tournament.

“We feel terrible for the athletes … who as far as we understand played no role in this matter,” COC CEO David Shoemaker said.

Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue added his organization was disappointed with the impact of the FIFA disciplinary committee’s decision.

“We are exploring options to appeal on the basis that is excessively punitive towards our (team) who were not involved in any unethical behaviour,” he said. “Canada Soccer took swift action to suspend the implicated staff members and is also proceeding with a broad independent review that may lead to further disciplinary action.”

Canada must win both of its remaining group matches, including Sunday against world No. 2 ranked and host France, just to have a shot at one of the final eight quarterfinal spots in the 12-team event.

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Even if they get there, they will surely draw a heavyweight – potentially top-ranked Spain – right out of the gate.

Canada was found responsible for failing to “ensure the compliance of its participating officials of the (Olympics) with the prohibition on flying drones over any training sites.” Priestman, Lombardi and Mander were each found responsible for “offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play” by using the technology to spy on two New Zealand practices before their opening 2-1 win.

Forward Adriana Leon has been staying off social media the past few days because “I don’t want to think about (what people are saying back home in Canada).”

Captain Jessie Fleming was asked how she felt about Priestman right now and called it a very difficult situation.

“This tournament moves so quickly and we just don’t have time to dwell on our feelings too much,” the star midfielder said. “All of my energy and focus is on the people over there and the game (Sunday).”

Fleming doesn’t normally pay heed to social media, so she wasn’t aware of the statements released by former Canadian teammates Christine Sinclair and Steph Labbé defending their legacies and denying drone usage during their careers.

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“For people to question the culture and values of the 22 players and the players who have played for the team in the past, I think you can critique our playing all you want,” the 26-year-old Londoner said, “but to critique our values really hits home with us.

“It’s not something we take lightly.”

Acting head coach Andy Spence, who was hired by Priestman, distanced himself from the controversy and called it ‘very unfortunate and difficult’.

“It’s an opportunity for us to say that doesn’t align personally with what I believe in, what Canada Soccer believes in, the values we and the team believe in,” the 41-year-old Englishman said. “I had no party to it. There’s a review in place and I think I have to pay respect to the fact there is a review in place and allow that to happen and really support the players and staff moving forward.”

rpyette@postmedia.com

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