FIFA Appeal Committee Sanctions Canadian Soccer Association and Officials: A Detailed Review of the Disciplinary Actions and Their Implications

Following disciplinary proceedings initiated against the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) and its officials—Beverly Priestman, Joseph Lombardi, and Jasmine Mander—the Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee opted to escalate the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee, pursuant to Article 56.3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC). This decision was influenced by concerns that the proceedings could significantly impact the ongoing Women’s Olympic Football Tournament - Games of the XXXIII Olympiad Paris 2024 Final Competition (OFT). The primary aim of this escalation was to protect the rights of the respondents and ensure a fair resolution of the issues involved.

Sanctions Imposed

In response to the violations, the FIFA Appeal Committee imposed several sanctions. The CSA faced a deduction of six points from the standings of its Women’s representative team in Group A of the OFT, in addition to a financial penalty of CHF 200,000. Meanwhile, the officials—Beverly Priestman, Joseph Lombardi, and Jasmine Mander—were each suspended from participating in any football-related activities for a period of one year.

Findings of the Case

The CSA was found responsible for failing to adhere to FIFA regulations by not ensuring compliance with the prohibition on flying drones over training sites during the OFT. The officials were deemed to have engaged in offensive behavior and violated the principles of fair play concerning the use of drones by the CSA Women’s representative team.

Procedural Next Steps

The CSA and its officials have been formally notified of the FIFA Appeal Committee’s decision. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FDC, they have ten days to request a motivated decision. Should such a request be made, the decision will subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The ruling remains subject to potential appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.