No. 8 CanWNT formally appeal six-point deduction at Paris Olympics

The GIST: Yesterday, No. 8 CanWNT formally appealed the six-point deduction handed down by FIFA in the wake of their ongoing drone scandal. A resolution could be imminent as the case is fast-tracked before group stage games conclude…tomorrow. Buckle up.

Canada protests sanction for “unfairly punish[ing] athletes”: ICYMI, on Saturday CanWNT was docked six points from their group stage total amid shocking espionage allegations. The sanction currently leaves them with 0 points, erasing the six points earned from their two group stage wins (teams earn three for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss).

• While it’s not impossible for the red and white to advance out of Group A, it won’t be easy, even with the victories — and stars like Vanessa Gilles are sharing their frustration as the team feels they’re being punished for a crime they did not commit.

What’s next: An appeal hearing is expected today, with a possible verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport anticipated tomorrow, ideally before Canada’s final group stage game against No. 22 Colombia kicks off at 3 p.m. ET. It truly all comes down to this.