New Zealand’s women’s soccer team has raised concerns about a recent incident during their training session. The team reported that a drone was flown over their training session, and it was later discovered that the drone was operated by a member of the Canadian team’s support staff. This incident has led to New Zealand lodging a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit.
The defending Olympic champions, Canada, are set to face New Zealand in their opening match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The drone incident took place earlier this week, according to the New Zealand Olympic Committee. The NZOC stated that the drone operator, who was identified as a member of the Canadian Women’s football team’s support staff, was detained after the incident was reported to the police.
Canada has apologized for the incident and is conducting an investigation into the matter. Both the NZOC and New Zealand Football have expressed their commitment to upholding the integrity and fairness of the Olympic Games. They have stated that they are deeply shocked and disappointed by the incident, especially so close to the teams’ upcoming match.
The NZOC’s priority at this time is to support the New Zealand women’s football team and the wider team as they begin their Olympic campaign. This is not the first time a Canadian soccer team has been accused of using a drone to film an international rival’s training session. In 2021, during a men’s World Cup qualifier, Honduras stopped a training session ahead of their match against Canada after spotting a drone above the field.
The teams ended up playing to a 1-1 draw. The incident at the 2024 Paris Olympics has once again raised questions about the use of drones in sports and the need to maintain fair play and sportsmanship. It remains to be seen what actions will be taken by the IOC integrity unit following New Zealand’s formal complaint.
As the teams prepare to face each other in their opening match, the focus remains on the upcoming competition and ensuring that the athletes can compete in a fair and safe environment. Both New Zealand and Canada will be looking to put this incident behind them and focus on their performances on the field. The eyes of the world will be on them as they kick off their Olympic campaign in Paris.