The Canadian government had previously announced on Sunday that it would cut funding for women’s football officials who had been excluded from FIFA.
Carla Qualtrough, the country’s sports minister, described the use of a drone to monitor New Zealand’s training sessions as a “fraud”.
She called the incident “deeply regrettable” and said it caused “significant distraction and embarrassment for Team Canada and all Canadians.”
“This is totally unfair to the Canadian players and the opposing teams. It undermines the integrity of the game itself,” Qualtrough added.
“Because the women’s program is funded by Sport Canada, we are denying funding to the suspended Canada Soccer officials for the duration of their FIFA sanction.”
Sport Canada is a government organization that helps fund national elite organizations.
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker said Friday there appears to be “information that could tarnish the women’s soccer team’s gold medal at the Tokyo Games.”
Canadian media had previously reported that drones had been used at previous tournaments.
Qualtrough added: “There is a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour within Canada Soccer.
“We must and will get to the bottom of this matter. The Canadian government will closely monitor the investigation and outcome of the ongoing Canada Soccer trial.”
“In addition, the Commission on the Future of Sport in Canada is underway and will make recommendations to the government on how to improve the Canadian sports system.”
However, Priestman said in her statement that “winning the gold medal was earned through sheer courage and determination, despite reports to the contrary.”
Canada, led by assistant coach Andy Spence in Priestman’s absence, beat New Zealand and hosts France in their first two Group A games.
A 2-1 win against France on Sunday evening would leave them third in the group table with zero points, but a win over Colombia in their final group game would secure them qualification for the quarter-finals.
Vanessa Gilles scored the winning goal for Canada 12 minutes into second-half stoppage time, securing her team’s victory over the hosts in Saint-Etienne and keeping their hopes of progressing alive.
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