2024 Olympics: Matildas’ rivals caught in spying scandal after women’s team files complaint

New Zealand Women’s Team soccer The Football Ferns have lodged a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after a drone belonging to their Canadian rivals was spotted spying on their training session. Football Ferns staff observed a drone flying over their training centre in Saint-Etienne on Monday as the New Zealand team made final preparations ahead of their season opener. Olympic Games against defending champion Canada.

After spotting the drone, New Zealand authorities reported it to police. The operator was later identified as a member of the Canadian women’s team’s support staff. The individual was arrested by French police and the international football team immediately distanced itself from the incident.

The Canadian team apologized for what happened and said it had launched its own investigation into an “unaccredited member of the Canada Soccer support team.” The statement said: “The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair play and we are shocked and disappointed. We offer our sincerest apologies to New Zealand Football, all players involved and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.” Canada are the reigning Olympic champions and New Zealand’s first opponents at the Paris Games on Friday morning (AEST). Both teams will be among the Matildas’ main rivals.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) said in a statement it was “deeply shocked and disappointed by this incident” and demanded answers. “NZOC has formally lodged a complaint with the IOC Integrity Unit and has asked Canada to conduct a full review,” the statement said.

“NZOC and Football New Zealand are committed to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the Olympic Games.” New Zealand and Canada will kick off this year’s women’s Olympic football tournament at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

Mary Fowler vows to outdo herself at Paris Olympics

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s trans-Tasman rivals Australia are chasing an elusive Olympic football medal at the Paris Games and a star striker. Marie Fowler has vowed to lead from the front. After coming to national prominence with flashes of brilliance at her first Olympics in Tokyo, Fowler has become a key figure in the Matildas’ attack.

And with Sam Kerr on the bench, Paris is shaping up to be Fowler’s chance to step up, with the creative forward vital to Australia’s medal chances. “The first time was a bit different because I didn’t expect it and it was a childhood dream of mine to go to the Olympics, so I was in tears to have achieved it,” Fowler told AAP.

“This time I’m more focused on tournaments, on football. I want to go, I want to win and I want to help the team as much as I can. I feel like I can help more compared to last time, where I was more of a substitute.”

Tony Gustavsson, Matildas coach The forward also made it clear that her goal is to get the ball to Fowler as much as possible. And the young forward says she has matured to the point where she is ready to take on the added responsibility. “Before, I was maybe a little bit afraid of having that responsibility,” Fowler said.

“If you don’t perform, you think, ‘OK, you have to take responsibility for not doing what the team expected of you.’ Now I look at it a little differently: if someone puts pressure on you or gives you a little more responsibility in the team, it’s because they believe in you and think you’re actually capable of doing it. So I take that as a pat on the back. I want to keep that level, be consistent and do what I can to help the team win, and not be afraid to do it.”

with AAP