The backlash from the Canada women's team's Drone Gate incident has now spread to the men's side, who allegedly engaged in similar behavior during the Copa América. On Monday, New Zealand's Olympic Games opponents, the Canada Women's National Team, discovered a drone spying on a training session in Saint-Étienne ahead of their match this week.
In addition to an undisclosed member of staff being sent home for allegedly operating the drone, coach Bev Priestman was suspended for the duration of the tournament - and it has now been revealed that this may be a problem for all of Canadian senior soccer on the international level. "I have received anecdotal evidence in recent days that there was an attempted drone usage once during the Copa América," revealed Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue. "I have spoken with Jesse Marsch. He was aware of it after the fact, at the very least, and has opposed it as a habit to his employees. I believe the competitive integrity of the match was not jeopardized."
Blue went on to say that, in light of the present situation, the Canadian players should not be punished for actions about which they appeared to know little to nothing. "I'm stating right now that the team hasn't seen any of that tape, and the players haven't done anything illegal. I'm disappointed by the diversion this has caused, but I haven't considered leaving the squad," he said. "That's primarily because we believe we handled the situation quickly and effectively. "The players have not engaged in any unethical behaviour." In the game in question, Canada defeated New Zealand 2-1.
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