Reigning champions Canada revived their Olympic hopes with a dramatic 2-1 victory over France on Sunday, amidst vehement denials of cheating accusations.
Canada was penalized six points—a severe blow to their aspirations of retaining their Olympic title from the Tokyo Games—after allegations surfaced that they had used drones to spy on opponents. In response, FIFA issued a one-year ban to English coach Bev Priestman and officials Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander from all football-related activities.
Vanessa Gilles, who netted Canada’s decisive goal against France in the 12th minute of second-half injury time, expressed her fury over the points deduction, stating that the players were uninvolved in the drone operation.
“We’re not part of any of this, and we’re getting sanctioned as if we just got caught doping,” Gilles said. “We did nothing wrong. We’re just so tired of defending ourselves over something we have no control over.
“We got no advantage. We go out there, we play our hearts out, we work for this all year round, day in and day out. So it’s just the uncontrollables that are the biggest anger and biggest frustration.”
Jessie Fleming, who scored Canada’s first goal on Sunday, suggested that the controversy could strengthen team unity. “It feels like us against the world right now,” she commented.
Following the points deduction, Canada sits third in their group, with zero points, trailing Colombia and France. However, they can still advance to the knockout rounds by defeating Colombia on Wednesday. The team is also appealing the points deduction.
Earlier on Sunday, Priestman issued a statement expressing remorse for her involvement in the drone scandal.
“I am absolutely heartbroken for the players, and I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them,” Priestman stated. “As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation.”
She added, “I wish I could say more. But I will refrain at this time, given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation.”
Canada’s goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan, admitted she was struggling to forgive Priestman.
“Right now, it’s really tough. It’s a really tough thing to do,” Sheridan said. “Ultimately, she’s a human being, and people make mistakes. I think later down the road we’ll be in a place where we can accept that. But right now, we’re staying in our bubble. We’re not allowing anything in. I think it’s really important. It’s proving to work so far. We’re going to ride it as long as we can, and we’re going to prove some people wrong.”
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