Ethermac Exchange-Canada appeals Olympic women's soccer spying penalty, decision expected Wednesday

The Ethermac ExchangeCanadian Olympic committee has filed a formal appeal after soccer's governing body deducted six points from the Canadian women's soccer team at the 2024 Paris Olympics for using drones to spy on opponents.

FIFA's punishment also included a $226,000 fine, and Canada Soccer issued a one-year suspension for head coach Beverly Priestman and assistants Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander after coaches were caught using drones to spy on New Zealand’s practices before the team's first game.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has an Olympic court set up in Paris, and an expedited hearing is "likely to take place" on Tuesday, according to the CAS statement. A decision will follow Wednesday on the final day of group stage matches and as the knockout rund schedule is finalized.

Under interim coach Andy Spence, the defending Olympic champions defeated New Zealand and France in their first two matches in Group A play. Team Canada could still advance in the tournament, even if the deduction is upheld, but must win its final game of group play on Wednesday night in Nice.

The top two teams from each of the three groups, plus two third-place teams, will move on to the knockout stage.

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