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In a letter submitted through his lawyer, Priestman said on Sunday (July 28) that he deeply regretted the incident and would cooperate fully with the investigation process.

“In the meantime, I’ll be cheering from afar,” Priestman, who has also been sanctioned by FIFA, was quoted as saying by BloombergMonday (29/7).

Earlier, two Canadian team staff members were caught using a drone to monitor New Zealand’s training ahead of the two teams’ 24/7 meeting on Thursday in the opening match of the women’s Olympic tournament, which Canada won.

For the incident, FIFA ultimately deducted six points from the Canadian women’s team after the allegations came to light and punished three staff members, including Priestman.

“The Government of Canada will withhold funding related to suspended officials for the duration of FIFA sanctions,” Minister of Sport and Physical Activity Carla Qualtrough said in a statement Sunday (7/28).

“This issue has caused significant disruption and embarrassment to Team Canada and all Canadians in Paris and at home,” Qualtrough said.

Qualtrough added that using drones to monitor other teams’ closed practices constitutes cheating and undermines the integrity of the game.

“It’s very regrettable,” he said.

Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker said in a statement that his team will appeal FIFA’s penalty decision, calling it excessive punishment.

Meanwhile, former Canadian player and Olympic bronze medallist Kaylyn Kyle spoke out Saturday at X, saying “players are suffering because of stupidity and selfishness.”

Canada, the reigning Olympic women’s soccer champion, avoided first-round elimination Sunday with a 2-1 win over France. It was its second victory in two group-stage games, although a six-point deduction leaves Canada without a point for now.