2024 Olympics – Football. New Zealand accuses Canada of spying with drones before match

The match between New Zealand and Canada as part of Women's Olympic Football Tournament It was only scheduled for Thursday, July 25, but it has already started. According to a press release from the New Zealand Olympic Committee, a drone flew over the Football Ferns training session in Saint-Etienne. After being alerted, police arrested the drone operator, who turned out to be a Canadian crew member.

“The New Zealand Olympic Committee and New Zealand Football are committed to the integrity and honesty of the Olympic Games and are deeply shocked and disappointed by this incident, which occurred just three days before the teams were due to play in the opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”the press release continues.

Canada apologized

Canada, the Olympic champions, immediately responded with a press release, offering: “I offer my deepest apologies to New Zealand Football, all players involved and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.”. However, the Canadian Olympic Committee wanted to clarify that the operator of the drone in question is “Non-accredited member of the Canada Football Support Team”.

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The Canadian Authority also confirms that it will look into the matter. “Next Steps with the IOC, Paris 2024, Canada Football and FIFA” With the aim of imposing possible sanctions. France will face Canada on Sunday, July 28 in Saint-Etienne and New Zealand on July 31 in Lyon.