Japanese media outlet “Yahoo Sports” wrote that if Canada’s women’s football team successfully appeals and recovers the points deducted, it could result in Japan’s women’s team failing to qualify for the knockout stage of this Olympic Games.
The Canadian Soccer Association was recently fined 200,000 Swiss francs by FIFA for using a drone to spy on opponents’ training. Additionally, the Canadian women’s national football team had six points deducted from their total at these Olympics, and head coach Priestman along with three other staff members were banned for one year.
According to reports, the Canadian Soccer Association has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), demanding that FIFA revoke or reduce the six-point penalty imposed on them during the Olympic group stage. The Canadian Soccer Association explained that the grounds for the appeal are “unfair punishment,” as the players were not involved in the drone filming. They also noted that they have not appealed the penalties imposed on head coach Priestman and others.
Currently, the Canadian team has won both of their matches in the group stage, including a victory over host France, but due to the penalty, their current points tally is zero. Even so, if they defeat Colombia in their third-round match on the 31st, they still have a chance to advance to the knockout stage. However, if the six deducted points are restored, the Canadian team will secure qualification from the group stage. Even a reduction in the penalty would be a significant boost for them.
Yahoo Sports Japan pointed out that in the Olympic women’s football group stage, unlike the men’s group stage, the two best third-placed teams can also progress to the knockout stage. Therefore, the outcome of this appeal may affect other teams competing for third place in groups B and C.
If Canada gains six points and rises to first place, then the current third-placed teams in each group would have at least three points. Japan is currently second in Group C, but with the same number of points as Brazil, which is also three points. Japan’s final match will be against Nigeria, and it’s difficult to predict their final ranking.
According to reports, the Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected to make its final ruling on the 31st. What will the final result be? Japanese media stated that for Japan’s women’s team, who currently have only three points and an unclear path to advancement, this is an issue worth paying attention to.