Summary:
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Incident Details: New Zealand lodged a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after a Canadian soccer support staff member allegedly flew a drone over their training session. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) apologized, expressed shock and disappointment, and launched an investigation.
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Actions Taken: The individual responsible, Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer, has been detained by French authorities and is being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team. The assistant coach, Jasmine Mander, to whom Lombardi sent information, faces the same punishment. The entire Canada Soccer staff will undergo mandatory ethics training.
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Responses: The COC stated its commitment to fair play and expressed heartfelt apologies to New Zealand Football, the players affected, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee. The COC is reviewing the incident with the IOC, the Paris organizing committee, and FIFA. Head Coach Bev Priestman has removed herself from coaching the match against New Zealand on July 25th.
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