Canada expels two handlers due to spying
Spionage with a Drone over the Training Ground: A disturbing incident before the Women's Football Tournament at the Olympics causes concern. The Canadian team suspends two staff members, and Coach Bev Priestman draws consequences for the match against New Zealand.
The Canadian women's soccer team takes consequences after several spy incidents with a drone at the Olympics in Paris. Twice, a drone was used during New Zealand's training, their first opponent in the Olympic tournament, the Canadian Olympic Committee reported. Coach Bev Priestman will not be on the sidelines for the first match against New Zealand on Thursday. Two members of the coaching staff, including assistant coach Jasmine Mander, have to leave the Olympics.
The FIFA announced in the evening that its disciplinary committee had initiated proceedings against Priestman, Mander, and video analyst Joseph Lombardi due to the incidents. Previously, New Zealand had officially complained to the International Olympic Committee about Canada.
During the training session on Monday, a drone was observed flying over the field and reported to the police, the New Zealand National Olympic Committee reported. The IOC reacted and announced that it would examine the complaint. "We expect all teams to behave respectfully at the Olympics," the IOC said in response to an inquiry.
An unaccredited member of the coaching staff was arrested by French authorities, the Canadian Olympic Committee reported and expressed "shock and disappointment" over the incident. It apologized "sincerely" to the New Zealand football team and the Canadian team. "The COC is in contact with the IOC and the FIFA. Canada Soccer has shown transparency and cooperation throughout the entire process," the statement said.
"On behalf of our entire team, I would first like to apologize to the staff and players of the New Zealand football association and to the players of Team Canada," Priestman said. "This represents the values for which our team stands." I am ultimately responsible for the behavior within our team."
The Drone incidents at the Women's Football tournament at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris affected New Zealand's preparations, as they were spied upon during their training sessions by an unidentified source. Despite these disturbances, New Zealand's opponents in the first match, the Canadian women's soccer team, managed to impress at the Olympic Games with their spirited performance.
