Women's soccer team embroiled in Olympic drone scandal
A scandal erupted before the start of Thursday's women's soccer tournament match at the 2024 Olympic Games. The Canadian team attempted to spy on New Zealand using a drone. After the incident was discovered, a storm of criticism followed, likely prompting a response from FIFA.
On Friday, July 26, the official opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games will take place in Paris. As a result, no competitions are scheduled for that day, unlike the events that occurred on Wednesday and Thursday.
The first matches of the women's soccer tournament were scheduled a day before the ceremony. Six games were played, including the match between Canada and New Zealand, which ended 2-1 in favour of Canada. An unusual situation unfolded before the start of that match.
During New Zealand's training session, a drone appeared and observed the activities on the field. The police were alerted and found that the equipment was used by an unaccredited member of the Canadian delegation, New Zealand's opponent.
As a result, the New Zealand Olympic Committee filed a complaint with both the IOC and FIFA. A swift response followed as assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were sent home from the Olympic Games.
- On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologize 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 - said New Zealand head coach Beverley Priestman.
FIFA announced important information regarding the situation on Thursday evening. The International Football Federation has initiated disciplinary actions.
Their disciplinary committee has launched proceedings concerning Priestman, Mander, and Lombardi. It is worth noting that only Priestman has remained with the team in the French capital.
