The Canadian Olympic Committee released a statement apologizing for the actions of an “unaccredited” member of the women’s football support team for allegedly operating a drone to record training in New Zealand.
“The Canadian Olympic Committee has been informed that an unaccredited member of Canada Soccer’s support team was detained by French authorities in Saint-Étienne following a tip from Soccer New Zealand on July 22. The team member is believed to have used a drone to record the New Zealand women’s football team during training.
“The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair play and we are shocked and disappointed. We extend our sincere apologies to New Zealand Soccer, all affected players and the New Zealand Olympic Committee. We are reviewing next steps with the IOC, Paris 2024, Canada Soccer and FIFA will provide an update later today (July 24).”
Members of the New Zealand women’s football team reported seeing the drone to local police, which led to the operator’s arrest. The incident was then reported to the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit.
“The NZOC and New Zealand Football are committed to upholding the integrity and fairness of the Olympic Games and are deeply shocked and disappointed by this incident, which occurred just three days before the two teams meet in the opening game of Paris 2024.” , said a statement from the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
“At this time, the NZOC’s main priority is to support New Zealand women’s football athletes and the entire team as they start their campaign.”
The Canadian women’s soccer team begins its gold medal defense on Thursday when it faces New Zealand in Saint-Étienne.
