The Canadian women’s soccer team is facing a major scandal after instances of drone spying on rival New Zealand. The latest incident, involving a drone hovering over a New Zealand practice session on Monday, led to the suspension of head coach Bev Priestman.
Investigations revealed that the drone operator was a "non-accredited" member of the Canadian team's staff. Moreover, it was discovered that a similar incident occurred during a New Zealand practice on July 19. As a result, two additional staff members—Joseph Lombardi, an “unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer,” and Jasmine Mander, an assistant coach—were sent home.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee has lodged a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee. Canada Soccer has apologized and initiated an independent external review.
The scandal comes as France is enforcing strict drone regulations for the Olympics, with authorities intercepting an average of six drones daily. The Canadian team, defending Olympic champions, will now be coached by assistant Andy Spence for their opening match against New Zealand.