Canada Soccer’s attempt to have their team’s six-point deduction wiped has been denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The decision was announced ahead of the final games in Group A for the women’s football tournament at the Summer Olympics.
This means the four teams involved go into their final round of matches knowing what’s needed to progress to the quarter-finals.
Dismissing Canada’s appeal, the court said it would provide full reasons later.
“While disappointed in the outcome of our appeal, we commend the players for their incredible resilience and grit over the course of this tournament, and look forward to cheering them on in today’s match against Colombia,” the Canadian Olympic Committee said in a statement.
How they can qualify
The top two sides from each of the three groups go through to the quarter-finals, as well as the two best-performing third-placed teams.
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New Zealand must win to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals, either in second via goal difference, or as one of the two best third-placed sides.
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France will qualify with a win or a draw. Defeat would leave them hoping to secure second spot on goal difference, or progress in third.
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Colombia can go through with a win or a draw but defeat would mean they would rely on goal difference for second place, or hope to go through in third.
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Canada will reach the quarter-finals with a victory. A draw or defeat will see them eliminated.
Despite winning their two games, Canada go into the last group game at the foot of the table, after the six-point deduction was ruled by FIFA’s disciplinary committee.
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Fixtures
Games to be played on Thursday August 1, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand v France
Stade de Lyon, Décines-Charpieu, 7am (NZT)
Colombia v Canada
Stade de Nice, Nice, 7am (NZT)
This story was first published on August 1, 2024.
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