Canada’s Olympic Committee Caught in Drone Controversy Over New Zealand Soccer

The Canadian Olympic Committee has issued an apology following an incident where a staff member of the women's soccer team reportedly flew a drone over a New Zealand training session just days before their match at the Paris Games.

The COC admitted that a non-accredited member of the Canada Soccer support team was detained by French authorities after New Zealand Football lodged a complaint. The two teams are scheduled to play each other in a group-stage game on Thursday.

During their training session in Saint-Étienne, New Zealand's team noticed the drone overhead. The COC expressed its shock and disappointment, emphasizing their commitment to fair play. They extended apologies to New Zealand Football, its players, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee, and are working with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Paris 2024, Canada Soccer, and FIFA to address the issue.

Following the incident, the COC decided to send two members of the Canadian team home: Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst, and assistant coach Jasmine Mander. Additionally, head coach Bev Priestman offered to step down from coaching the upcoming match against New Zealand, stressing her commitment to upholding the integrity of the game.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee expressed its shock and disappointment, noting that the incident was reported to the police, leading to the detention of the drone operator. They have requested a full review from the IOC.

Canada Soccer is cooperating with the Canadian Olympic Committee on this matter, while other involved parties, including New Zealand Football, FIFA, the IOC, and Paris 2024, have yet to comment.