New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell has issued a strong call to FIFA, demanding urgent action in response to a spying scandal involving Canada’s Olympic women’s soccer team at the Paris Games. The scandal erupted after Canada’s assistant coach and team analyst were expelled from the Games, accused of utilizing drones to secretly film New Zealand’s practice sessions on at least two occasions.
Pragnell expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that it jeopardizes the integrity of the entire tournament. He emphasized that such actions have no place in football and that swift action is imperative to address this breach of integrity. The Canadian team, fresh off their first Olympic title in Tokyo, is scheduled to face New Zealand in their opening Group A match on Thursday.
The Canadian Olympic Committee, while asserting that head coach Bev Priestman was unaware of the spying, has announced the launch of an independent review into the matter. Meanwhile, FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Canadian team.
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker, while expressing confidence in Priestman’s innocence, acknowledged the possibility of further sanctions should evidence emerge implicating the head coach in the scandal.
Pragnell highlighted the Canadian Olympic Committee’s admission of wrongdoing and their self-imposed sanctions on the team. However, he stressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the potential for widespread damage to the tournament’s integrity. He urged FIFA’s disciplinary committee to act swiftly, citing the seriousness of the matter and the potential consequences for the overall sporting integrity of the tournament.
New Zealand’s Olympic Committee has taken additional steps, reporting the drone incident to both the police and the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit. The incident has cast a shadow over the opening of the Paris Games, highlighting the importance of maintaining sporting integrity and fair play. The world awaits FIFA’s response to this unfolding scandal and its impact on the future of the Canadian women’s soccer team.
