Two Canadian delegation members sent home after spying on New Zealand with drone

The Canadian Olympic Committee apologized to New Zealand on Wednesday after a drone flew over the Oceania women's soccer team's training session. French police even arrested a member of the extended Canadian team ahead of Thursday's match in Saint-Etienne as part of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

There is no doubt that the values ​​of sport and the Olympic spirit have been trampled on in order to win. The Canadian Olympic Committee issued a statement on Wednesday to formally apologise to New Zealand after French police arrested a member of the women’s soccer team. The individual in question was arrested after flying a drone during the New Zealanders’ training session ahead of their 2024 Olympic match against Canada on Thursday (5pm) in Saint-Etienne.

The Canadian Olympic Committee expressed its regret: “The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair play and we are shocked and disappointed.” COC In his official statement, he added: “We offer our sincere apologies to New Zealand Football, all affected players and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.”

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However, according to the materials forwarded by the Canadian Olympic Committee, the person arrested following a complaint from New Zealand to French authorities is part of the Canadian team's extended crew but does not have accreditation to accompany the women's selection. The COC has also promised to follow up on the matter itself.

“We are exploring next steps with the IOC, Paris 2024, Canada Soccer and FIFA,” the North American body confirmed. “We will provide an update later today, July 24.”

The sanctions finally fell: two members of the delegation were sent home and the coach withdrew from the first match.

Canada, bronze medallists in London and then in Rio in 2012 and 2016, won Olympic gold in 2021 at the Tokyo Games. Three years after their triumph in Japan, Lioness partner Vanessa Gil will be looking to retain her Olympic title. But before that, we will have to get out of a tough Group A, as Canada will also face France, starting on Sunday (9pm) and then Colombia on July 31.