Two staff members working for Canada’s women’s Olympic soccer team have been sent home after New Zealand complained that a drone was being used to spy on their training session.
Team New Zealand staff noticed a drone flying over their training session in St Etienne on Monday.
When the police reported the incident, the operator was identified as a member of the Canadian support team. The person was arrested by French police.
The Canadian Olympic Committee later confirmed that assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were removed from the team following the incident.
Head coach Bev Priestman has also withdrawn from coaching the team against New Zealand.
Two Canadian soccer coaches sent home from Olympics for spying with drone
The Football Ferns (pictured) noticed a drone flying over their training session on Monday.
Head coach Bev Priestman has retired from coaching the team against New Zealand.
Canada is the reigning Olympic champion and New Zealand’s first opponent at the Paris Games on Thursday.
A statement issued by the New Zealand Olympic Committee said they were “deeply shocked and disappointed by this incident” and wanted answers.
“NZOC has formally raised the incident with the IOC Integrity Unit and has requested a full review by Canada,” the statement said.
‘The NZOC and New Zealand Football are committed to upholding the integrity and fairness of the Olympic Games.’
Priestman apologized for the offense.
“On behalf of our entire team, I would first like to apologise to the players and staff of New Zealand Football and the players of Team Canada,” he said.
“This does not represent the values our team stands for. Ultimately, I am responsible for the conduct of our program.”