Canada Olympic officials 'disheartened' by accusations of drone spying on rival nations

Officials from the Canadian Olympic team at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in France responded on Wednesday to accusations two members of its women's soccer delegation used a drone to spy on the practice of rival nations.

Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer, was detained by French authorities following a complaint by New Zealand Football of a drone flying over their training session in Saint-Étienne on July 22, according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.

During the virtual press conference, Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker said "we are all disheartened by the incident." Shoemaker said as a result of what occurred, Lombardi has been removed from the Canadian Olympic team along with assistant coach Jasmine Mander, to "mitigate any advantage Canada may have" over New Zealand from spying.

"We hope this sends a message that winning-well is the standard for the Canadian Olympic team," he said.


#GlobalNews #Olympics2024 #Canada

[wendysteele]

Why is this cheating? Coaches in all sports watch the latest footage of opponents teams & how they play their game. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[garygjl]

The women's soccer team must be sent home now. Out of the Olympics is the legitimate consequence.
How dare do the COC show zero accountability.

[SentFromMyiPwn]

I truly feel sorry for the Canadian Women's Soccer Team. This is hugely embarrassing and taints all the hard work they would have put in, to get where they are - not to mention any future wins. I genuinely hope they're still able to rise above and give it their best. ♥ from NZ.

[AraMarama-jwdf]

From New Zealand: I find this news very sad. New Zealand and Canada have traditionally had a close and mutually respectful relationship. This sounds like an over eager team member / analyst, acting on their own. I can’t believe that Canada would do this to New Zealand. They are the best team in the world, New Zealand is still a developing team. A coach would gain more from just watching recent New Zealand matches, which are freely available. I appreciate the swift and transparent action taken by the Canadian officials. And as a Sports mad Kiwi, happy to accept the apology. Kia ora.

[Jonathan-sind]

So much for the consistently self-righteous attitude shown towards the US and other teams.

[aldinis]

Congratulations Jasmine Mander, you have placed North Delta my home town on the world map

[andrew_l]

The men’s team was accused of the same thing previously but they tried to play it down and blamed “fans” for the drones….must be something systemic in Canadian soccer to cheat

[lruss]

Well aren’t we thrilled! So embarrassing to ruin the Olympic experience for all the other Canadian athletes. Not to say our country in general. I hope Celine Dion can help to save our reputation just a bit!😢🇨🇦

[lastChang]

Over 1.4 billion people with football as a main sport, and China 🇨🇳 can't find 2 dozen great football players. Yet, they don't think anything's wrong with their "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" football.

[misterfunnybones]

This is happening everyday in politics. What's the big deal? People are only outraged when they find out it's happening. Newsflash: it's always happening.

[canadacanary]

Just simple easy question: who pays the fine? Coaches or football committee/Canadian tax players?

[crashburnoverride]

Not surprised, Joey was a cheat playing soccer in school. Should get jail time.

[alexhithamsafieh]

Who bought the drone and why does Team Canada have a drone? The officials are the ones who should be held responsible.

[gregdargis]

Extremely disappointed on how this reflects on Canada. This is not the spirit of the Olympics.

[gordleith]

He must be named and punished as he is not an elected traitor

[Cazador]

Accusations, they are not accusations Joseph Lombardi a so called ' unaccredited analyst with Soccer Canada' erhas been charged and has acknowledged he did fly the spying drone on a New Zealand practice . Another scandal in the sport ethics as if we do not have enough in the political arena, thank you Joseph hoping you family and friends love you . Lombardi and Jasmine Mander are both going home, good going guy

[rodlawson]

So much for Corinthian Olympic values, shameful really !

[otisthecanadianbulldog]

Cheats. And my boys high school soccer team could beat these girls. They can try to cheat, but they'd still lose.

[For_Cruyff_Sake]

20:21 So since you only found footage of New Zealand, Bev Priestman sits out for that game and we can all forget that Canada cheats. Since there isn't footage of any other teams, there's no more "lingering competitive integrity issues" 😂 That's like failing a doping test, you skip the 100 meter race for that day but next day continue to compete in the 400 meter hurdles and 4x100 relay 🤣

[crabbcake]

Sad - Sad that people think soccer has any relevance.