The reigning Olympic champions, Canada’s women’s footballers are not doing well. FIFA has deducted six points from them following a scandal related to an espionage case. This sanction affects the French team led by Hervé Renard, the North Americans’ next opponent in the group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
France-Canada, match of the second day of group A, will be played this Sunday, July 28, from 9 p.m., in the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne. The Blues won their first match, against Colombia (3-2), and will challenge the Olympic champions who have a -3 record after the decision of the International Federation.
A victory to play the quarter-finals
Canada was found guilty of spying on a training session of New Zealand, its first opponent in the competition, with a drone. Joseph Lombardi, a video analyst arrested on Monday and a member of the staff but not accredited, was given an eight-month suspended sentence for using the flying machine. Coach Bev Priestman was suspended for the duration of the Olympics.
Despite the critical situation, the Canadians can still hope to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament. To do so, they must win their last two matches and cross their fingers to be among the best third-placed teams. Hervé Renard’s team will also do everything they can to take the three points, which for the French will mean a ticket to the Top 8.
