Canada WNT staff get kicked out from 2024 Olympics after using drones to spy on opposition’s practice rounds
The two Canada WNT staff members could face up to eight months in prison and an extended suspension due to the spying allegations.
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Two Canadian WNT staffers were sent back over spying allegations, at the Olympics (via IMAGO)
Canada women’s national soccer assistant manager Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi were sent back home, over spying allegations by the New Zealand side. The two staff members were accused of using drones to monitor their opponents’ training sessions.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee lodged a complaint against the Canadian WNT, claiming that its women’s football team had their training session disrupted by a drone flown by a staff member of the Canadian team. This incident occurred before the two teams’ opening match at the Paris Olympics in St. Etienne. The scandal involves using a drone to film a rival’s training, and it has been reported to the International Olympic Committee.
Moreover, the Canadian team has expressed its apology. The IOC’s disciplinary committee has launched an internal investigation, resulting in the dismissal and return home of an analyst and the team’s assistant coach. Head coach Bev Priestman has also chosen to refrain from the sidelines for their opening match against New Zealand. The Canadian team has announced plans to review their next steps with the IOC, Paris 2024, and FIFA.
"It's embarrassing for Canada, and there should be more consequences for them."
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) July 24, 2024
The Morning Footy crew weigh in on two incidents involving Canadian staff members flying drones over New Zealand's practice and what should come next for the reigning gold medalists ?? pic.twitter.com/9ZeykuYTQK
Moreover, Priestman herself denied any involvement or knowledge about the spying incident. The Canadian women’s team’s Olympic title defense has faced a rocky start due to the drone scandal on the eve of the Paris Games.
Canada WNT players open up about staff members being suspended over spying allegations
Canadian women’s national soccer team players spoke out about the spying allegations at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where two staff members were charged by the New Zealand team.
The staff members have been sent home, and the players have called the incident ‘shocking.’ Center-back Vanessa Gilles recognized the challenging situation with a major tournament on the horizon but stressed their professionalism. She noted that they would make the most of the circumstances and lean on each other for support.
Obviously it's not ideal, especially with such a big tournament on the horizon. But at the end of the day we're all professionals.Vanessa Gilles on the spying scandal (via CBC)
Meanwhile, New Zealand interim head coach Michael Mayne stated that the integrity of their match had been compromised and expressed a deep sense of disappointment.
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Siddhartha Roy
(700 Articles Published)