Government withholding funding ‘related to suspended Canada Soccer officials’

Canada sports minister Carla Qualtrough says the government is withholding some of Canada Soccer’s funding following a spying scandal involving the Olympic women’s soccer team.

FIFA docked six points from the team due to a drone spying scandal at the Paris Games.

It also banned head coach Bev Pristman and two assistants for a year each and fined Canada Soccer around $313,000. 

Qualtrough says the funding, which is “related to the suspended officials,” is being withheld for the duration of their FIFA sanction.

“There is a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour at Canada Soccer,” she said in a statement. “We must, and will, get to the bottom of this. The Government of Canada will closely monitor the investigation and outcomes of the Canada Soccer process that is underway. The Future of Sport in Canada Commission is also underway which will make recommendations to the Government on improvements to the Canadian sport system.

“This issue has caused significant distraction and embarrassment for Team Canada and all Canadians here in Paris and at home. It is deeply regrettable.  As events continue to unfold on this issue, I encourage Canadians to cheer on all our incredible Olympic athletes. They have worked hard and deserve our unwavering support.”

Two assistant coaches were caught using drones to spy on New Zealand’s practices before the teams played their opening game last Thursday.

Canada faces France on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT.

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