Canadian officials apologize for drone flight over New Zealand Olympic soccer team training

CNN
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Canadian Olympic Committee officials have apologized after a member of the Canadian women's soccer team allegedly flew a drone during a training session, three days before the team's match against New Zealand at the Paris Olympics.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) confirmed that “an unauthorised member of the Canada Soccer Support Team has been detained by French authorities” following a complaint from the New Zealand Football Association.

Canada, the defending Olympic champions, is scheduled to play New Zealand in a group game on Thursday.

The New Zealand team spotted a drone flying overhead while they were training on Monday in Saint-Etienne, a city 400km south of the French capital, where the match will be held.

“We support fair play and are shocked and disappointed,” the COC said in a statement.

“We offer our sincere apologies to New Zealand Soccer, all the players affected and the New Zealand Olympic Committee. We are working with the IOC, Paris 2024, Canada Soccer and FIFA to assess our next steps.”

NZOC said it was “deeply shocked and disappointed.”

“A member of the team's support team immediately contacted police and the drone operator, identified as a member of Canada women's soccer team support staff, was detained,” the statement said.

“The New Zealand Olympic Committee has formally reported the incident to the IOC's integrity department and has requested a full investigation by Canada. The Canadian team has apologised and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Canada Soccer Association spokesman Paulo Senra told CNN the association is “working closely with the Canadian Olympic Committee on issues relating to the women's national team.”

The New Zealand Football Union, soccer's world governing body FIFA, the IOC and Paris 2024 have not responded to CNN's requests for further information.