Canada’s national team officials have revealed that they have used drones in the past, raising concerns about the integrity of their Tokyo 2020 women’s gold medal. This revelation comes after Bev Priestman, the head coach for Canada’s women’s team, was removed from her position following an incident in which a drone was flown over New Zealand’s training session. While Priestman was deemed “highly likely” to have been aware of the incident, it is reported that both the men’s and women’s teams have relied on drones for years.
Kevin Blue, the CEO of Canada Soccer, confirmed that he had received reports about drone use during the men’s team’s run to the Copa America semi-finals this summer. However, coach Jesse Marsch was only made aware of it after the event. Blue expressed concern about a possible “systemic ethical shortcoming” that needs to be addressed within the organization.
David Shoemaker, the CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, expressed his distress over the situation, stating that there is information that could tarnish Canada’s women’s football triumph at the Tokyo Games. He emphasized his disappointment and concern, saying, “It makes me ill, it makes me sick to my stomach to think that there could be something that calls it into question.”
Bev Priestman, who previously served as an assistant coach for the England women’s team under Phil Neville, took responsibility for the actions of her colleagues and voluntarily withdrew from Canada’s opening victory over New Zealand. Her assistant, Jasmine Mander, and an “unaccredited analyst” named Joseph Lombardi were also sent home.
Lombardi, who was responsible for a scouting report that was sent to Mander, pleaded guilty to flying a drone in an urban area without a license and was given an eight-month suspended jail sentence by a French court.
Kevin Blue expressed hope that FIFA, the world governing body for football, would not impose sanctions on the national team players. He emphasized that the players themselves were not involved in any unethical behavior and urged FIFA to take that into consideration.
The use of drones in sports has become increasingly common in recent years, with teams and organizations utilizing them for various purposes such as scouting, tactical analysis, and capturing footage for training and promotional purposes. However, this incident raises questions about the ethical implications of drone use in competitive sports.
While the use of drones can provide teams with valuable insights and advantages, it is important to ensure that they are used within the boundaries of fair play and respect for privacy. The incident involving Canada’s national teams highlights the need for clear guidelines and regulations regarding the use of drones in sports to maintain the integrity of the game.
As technology continues to advance, sports organizations must stay vigilant in monitoring and addressing potential ethical concerns associated with new tools and techniques. The reputation and credibility of sports events, such as the Olympics, rely on fair competition and adherence to ethical standards. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize transparency, integrity, and respect for the game.