New Zealand says it complained to the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit after it was discovered that a drone that flew over a New Zealand women’s soccer team training session was being operated by a member of the Canadian team’s support staff.
New Zealand and reigning Olympic champions Canada meet in their opening game of the Olympic tournament in the early hours of Friday morning AEST.
The drone incident occurred earlier this week, the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) said on Wednesday.
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“Team support staff immediately reported the incident to police, resulting in the arrest of the drone operator, identified as a support staff member for the major Canadian women’s soccer team,” the NZOC said in a statement.
“The NZOC has formally submitted the incident to the IOC Integrity Unit and asked Canada for a full review.”
The NZOC statement said Canada had apologized for the incident and was investigating.
“The NZOC and New Zealand Football are committed to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the Olympic Games and are deeply shocked and disappointed by this incident, which occurred just three days before the two teams are scheduled to meet in Paris 2024.”, said the NZOC.
“The NZOC’s main priority at this time is to support New Zealand women’s football athletes and the wider team as they launch their campaign.”
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