Canada has been accused of spying on New Zealand with a drone, in a scandal that’s rocked Olympic women’s football.
Two Canadian Olympic staffers have been sent home from the Paris Games.
It comes after a drone was spotted flying over the New Zealand women’s team during a training session this week.
Local police have blamed the matter on Canada. The team’s head coach has issued an apology.
Canada is hoping to defend its Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold.
Here’s the latest.
New Zealand drone incident
New Zealand’s Women’s football team (the Football Ferns) spotted the drone on Monday and reported it to police.
Police identified a Canada Soccer staff member as being the drone operator.
Canada, the defending Olympic champions, are scheduled to play New Zealand at 1am on Friday (AEST) in the opening Group A match.
Canada’s response
Jasmine Mander, an assistant coach, and Joseph Lombardi, an analyst, have both been removed from the Canadian Olympic team and sent home.
Canada’s head coach Bev Priestman will not coach her team during their match against New Zealand.
In a statement from the Canadian Olympic Committee, Priestman apologised for the incident.
“On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologise to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada. This does not represent the values that our team stands for. I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program.”
What happens now?
The New Zealand Olympic Committee has filed a complaint to the International Olympic Committee’s Integrity Unit.
FIFA, football’s international governing body, also confirmed its launched disciplinary proceedings against Canada Soccer and the staff members allegedly involved, including Priestman.
