Canada expels two monitors due to espionage
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 drone incidents 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 announced. Coach Bev Priestman will not be present at 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 Olympia.
The FIFA announced in the evening that its disciplinary commission 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.
At the training session on Monday, it was observed and reported to the police that a drone flew over the field, the New Zealand National Olympic Committee informed. 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 a request.
An unaccredited member of the coaching staff was arrested by French authorities, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced and expressed "shock and disappointment" over the incident. It apologized "from the bottom of our hearts" to the New Zealand football team and the Canadian team. "The COC is in contact with the IOC and the FIFA. Canada Soccer has been transparent and cooperative throughout the entire process," the statement read.
"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 that our team stands for." I am ultimately responsible for the behavior within our team."
- The ongoing issue of drone spying at the Women's Football tournament in the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris has also affected the Women's football team from New Zealand, with an incident occurring during their training sessions.
- In preparation for the upcoming Olympic match against New Zealand, Coach Bev Priestman of the Canadian women's soccer team will not be present at the sidelines due to the repercussions of the drone spying incident involving members of her coaching staff.
- Following the controversy surrounding the drone spying incident at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, both Canada and New Zealand have expressed their commitment to abide by the rules and codes of conduct expected at such prominent international events, ensuring a fair and respectful competition among all participating teams.
