Canada’s soccer team was involved in a scandal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. A member of the Canada Soccer support team, Joseph Lombardi, was caught flying a drone over New Zealand’s training session. This incident led to the detention of Lombardi by French authorities. Following this, Canada’s assistant coach, Jasmine Mander, and head coach, Bev Priestman, decided to send them both home from the Games as a punishment. Priestman even imposed a one-game suspension on herself to show the team’s commitment to integrity.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee reported the drone incident to the police immediately. This incident raised concerns about security at the Olympics, especially with the strict ban on drones at and around the Games venues in France. French authorities are on high alert and have been intercepting an average of six drones per day. Despite this, the incident involving the Canadian team still took place.
Canada, as the reigning Olympic women’s soccer champions, was preparing to defend their title against New Zealand, who are considered the underdogs in the upcoming match. Both teams have been training in the region ahead of the game. The New Zealand Olympic Committee lodged a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee, leading to a full review being requested from the Canadian side.
The IOC welcomed the actions taken by the Canadian Olympic Committee and stated that they are looking into the matter. They emphasized the importance of all teams behaving and competing with respect at the Olympic Games. The incident has caused a stir in the soccer community and has overshadowed the upcoming match between Canada and New Zealand.
The drone incident highlights the need for strict security measures at major sporting events like the Olympics. It serves as a reminder that all participants, whether athletes or staff members, must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the organizing committee. Hopefully, this incident will not overshadow the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship that the Olympics are meant to embody. Let us hope that both teams can put this incident behind them and focus on the game ahead.