On Monday, July 22, the New Zealand women’s soccer team noticed a drone flying over their practice session. They quickly reported it to the police, who identified the culprit as a member of the Canadian women’s soccer support team. Although the person behind the drone wasn’t named, Canada issued a statement describing them as a “non-accredited member of the Canada soccer support team” and denounced the act, emphasizing their commitment to fair play.
The timing of this incident is crucial, as Canada is set to play against New Zealand in their first game of the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament. It appears the drone was being used to gain an advantage by spying on New Zealand’s training session. With Group A featuring tough competition from France, Canada, New Zealand, and Colombia, every bit of information could be seen as crucial.
Official Responses
The police detained the staff member responsible for the drone, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee reported the incident to the International Olympic Committee. The Canadian Olympic Committee issued an official apology, expressing shock and disappointment. They emphasized their dedication to fair play and apologized to New Zealand Football and the affected players.
Canada’s head coach, Bev Priestman, will not be coaching the first game against New Zealand. An investigation revealed two incidents of drones flying over New Zealand’s training sessions, leading to this decision. Additionally, two staff members from Canada Soccer are being sent home, and the entire staff will undergo mandatory ethics training.
FIFA’s Involvement
FIFA has opened proceedings against Bev Priestman, Jasmine Mander, and Joseph Lombardi for potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Regulations of Olympic Football Tournaments. The drone pilot received a suspended eight-month sentence from French prosecutors, meaning the sentence will only be served if the pilot is caught again.
New Zealand’s Reaction
The New Zealand Football Federation has referred the incident to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, ensuring that the matter is taken seriously and addressed appropriately.
This scandal, dubbed a sequel to “Spygate,” has stirred significant controversy right before the 2024 Paris Olympics. With the Canadian team’s reputation on the line and disciplinary actions underway, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and ethical conduct in competitive sports.
