Corinthians suspect Arsenal staff spied on closed training before women’s world final | OneFootball

On the eve of the FIFA Champions Cup final, the first women’s world competition, Corinthians believe their closed training in London has been watched by people in Arsenal kit ahead of Sunday’s decider at Emirates Stadium.

According to Meu Timao, members of the Corinthians delegation have, in recent days, noticed people wearing uniforms similar to Arsenal staff inside Barnet FC, which has loaned its facilities to the Brazilians.

The situation repeated on Saturday during their final run-through, when two people in Arsenal kit were seen at a window overlooking the pitch, observing and taking notes, despite the session being completely closed.

The suspicion is that Arsenal, Corinthians’ opponents on Sunday, could be using the fact their women’s youth team also uses Barnet’s site to gather information improperly. Corinthians are considering submitting a formal complaint to FIFA.

FIFA has a strict policy against espionage at competitions it organises. At Paris 2024 Canada were punished after a drone filmed a New Zealand training session, following a complaint by the country’s Olympic committee and an investigation that found the device was operated by a Canada analyst. Canada won the head-to-head 2-1.

The victory ultimately meant nothing, as FIFA docked six points that eliminated Canada in the group stage, and suspended head coach Bev Priestman and two staff for one year. FIFA said the sanctions were for breaches of article 13 of its Disciplinary Code, offensive conduct and fair play principles.

Source: Meu Timao