Olympics 2024 Scandal: Canada Football Coaches Caught Using Drone To Spy On Rivals, Sent Home

Two Canadian women’s football coaches have been sent home after being accused of using a drone to spy on a rival team’s training session at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The incident, which took place during New Zealand’s practice in St Etienne, has disrupted their preparations for the tournament.

Canadian women’s football team coach Beverly Priestman will not be present at the dugout during the team’s opening match against New Zealand. The allegations involve Priestman’s staff members Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander, who have since been sent back to Canada by the Canadian Olympic Committee.

FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Canada Soccer, Priestman, Lombardi, and Mander. In response, the Canadian Olympic Committee has issued an apology and promised a thorough review of the incident.

Priestman has publicly apologized and taken responsibility for her staff’s actions, stressing the importance of integrity and fair play. “This does not represent the values that our team stands for. I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program,” she said. To underscore the team’s commitment to integrity, Priestman announced she would step aside for the first game.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) reported that the drone incident occurred on July 22 and led to the detainment of the drone operator, identified as a member of the Canadian Women’s football support staff.

The Canadian Olympic Committee expressed their shock and disappointment, extending heartfelt apologies to New Zealand Football, the affected players, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee. They stated, “The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair-play and we are shocked and disappointed. We offer our heartfelt apologies to New Zealand Football, to all the players affected and to the New Zealand Olympic Committee.”