As women’s football kicks off at the Paris Olympics today, Canada’s spy drone controversy continues to cast a shadow over the event.
According to The Athletic, New Zealand, Canada’s first opponent in the tournament, lodged a complaint on July 22nd alleging that the reigning gold medallists flew a drone over their training sessions to gather information.
Yesterday, the Canadian Olympic Committee released a statement revealing that a member of the Canada Soccer support team was detained by French authorities in Saint-Étienne for using a drone to record the New Zealand women’s football team during practice.
The Committee expressed their disappointment at the incident and issued an apology to New Zealand Football, the affected players, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
They also mentioned ongoing discussions with the IOC, Paris 2024, Canada Soccer, and FIFA, promising further updates on the matter.
Inside Canada’s spy drone controversy: continued
Later that day, the Canadian Olympic Committee released another statement, announcing sanctions in response to a second drone incident at a New Zealand practice.
“Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer, is being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and will be sent home immediately.
Jasmine Mander, an assistant coach to whom Mr. Lombardi report sent, is being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and will be sent home immediately.
Head Coach Bev Priestman has decided to step down from coaching the match against New Zealand on July 25th.
Canada Soccer staff will undergo mandatory ethics training.”
They also mentioned cooperation with the IOC and FIFA, and the possibility of additional actions depending on the further reviews.
Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman, emphasized the importance of integrity and apologized for the incident, choosing to withdraw from coaching to uphold sportsmanship.
New Zealand Football CEO, Andrew Pragnell, expressed concern over the breach of integrity by the Canadian team and urged urgent action to address the situation for the sake of the tournament’s integrity.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee confirmed proceedings against Canada Soccer, Bev Priestman, Joseph Lombardi, and Jasmine Mander for a potential breach of regulations.
Canada and New Zealand are set to face off in Saint-Étienne at 5 p.m. local time or 4 p.m. Irish time today.
