The Football Ferns’ preparations for the Paris Olympics were disrupted by an alleged espionage incident involving a drone operated by a member of the Canadian women’s football team’s support staff.
The operator was detained by police after being caught flying the drone over the New Zealand team’s training session in Saint-Etienne on Monday. The NZ Olympic Committee has reported the incident to the IOC integrity unit and requested a full review from Canada, which has since apologised and begun an investigation.
This incident comes just before New Zealand’s first pool match against Canada on Friday.
Drawn in Group A alongside Canada, France, and Colombia, the Football Ferns face a tough challenge, being ranked 28th in the world. The team is led by interim coach Michael Mayne.
French authorities have heightened security measures around Olympic venues, intercepting an average of six drones per day to prevent unauthorised surveillance, highlighting the ongoing vigilance required to safeguard the integrity of the Games.
