New Zealand says it has lodged a complaint with the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit after a drone flying over a New Zealand women’s football team training session was found to be used by a member of the Canadian team’s support staff.
New Zealand and reigning Olympic champions Canada will meet in their opening match of the Olympic tournament in the early hours of Friday morning AEST.
The drone incident happened earlier this week, the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) said on Wednesday.
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“Support team members immediately reported the incident to police, which led to the arrest of the drone operator, who was identified as a member of the Canadian women’s football team support staff,” the NZOC said in a statement.
“The NZOC has formally filed the incident with the IOC Integrity Unit and requested a full review from Canada.”
The NZOC statement said Canada apologized for the incident and is investigating.
“NZOC and Football New Zealand are committed to upholding 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 due to face each other in their opening match of Paris 2024,” NZOC said.
“The NZOC’s main priority at this time is to support New Zealand’s female football athletes and the wider team as they embark on their campaign.”
AP
