Canada Accused of Spying on New Zealand's Soccer Team with Drone; Two Incidents, Staffers Sent Home

Jul 24, 2024, 09:54 AM

The New Zealand women's soccer team has accused Canada of using a drone to spy on their training sessions ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The incidents occurred on July 19th and July 22nd in St. Étienne, and New Zealand has lodged a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). A non-accredited member of the Canadian support staff was detained by French authorities for allegedly operating the drone. The Canadian Olympic Committee has apologized, and two Canadian staff members, Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander, have been sent home. Additionally, Canada's head coach Bev Priestman has removed herself from coaching the opening match against New Zealand, scheduled for Thursday morning at 11 ET. The IOC is currently investigating the matter.