Paris Olympics Scandal: New Zealand Accuses Canada of Spying During Training
Drone Incident Sparks Controversy Between Olympic Teams
The Canadian Olympic Committee has issued an apology to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and New Zealand Football following a spying allegation involving a drone.
New Zealand has reported the incident to the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit after discovering that a drone, flown over a New Zealand women’s football team training session, was operated by a member of the Canadian team’s support staff.
The incident took place earlier this week, just days before New Zealand and defending Olympic champions Canada are set to face off in their opening match of the Olympic tournament. The NZOC disclosed the details in a statement released on Wednesday.
“Team support members immediately reported the incident to police, leading to the identification and detention of the drone operator, a support staff member of the Canadian Women’s football team,” the statement from NZOC read. “The NZOC has officially lodged a complaint with the IOC integrity unit and requested a comprehensive review from Canada.”
The Canadian Olympic Committee expressed their regret and disappointment, issuing an apology. “The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair play and we are shocked and disappointed,” their statement said. “We offer our heartfelt apologies to New Zealand Football, to all the players affected, and to the New Zealand Olympic Committee.”
Both the NZOC and New Zealand Football emphasized their commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the Olympic Games. “Our primary focus now is to support our women’s football team and the wider delegation as they begin their campaign,” the NZOC stated.
This incident isn’t the first time a Canadian football team has been involved in a drone-related controversy. In 2021, the Honduran men’s football team halted a training session in Toronto after spotting a drone above the field ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Canada, as reported by Honduran media. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
