Following confirmation that a Canadian team staff member has been involved in flying a drone over two New Zealand Women’s Olympic Team training sessions ahead of the two sides facing each other in their opening game at Paris 2024, New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell commented:

“There is no place for this type of action in football and it is critical that urgent action is undertaken to address this integrity breach. 

“To hear now that the Canadian team had filmed secret footage of our team training at least twice is incredibly concerning and if not treated urgently could have wider implications for the integrity of the tournament. 

“We note that there have been some admissions by the Canadian National Olympic Committee, and they have taken their own sanctions against the Canadian team, however, considering the seriousness of the situation, and the potential implications to the sporting integrity of the entire tournament, we have referred the matter to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee seeking urgent action.”  

Article added: Thursday 25 July 2024