Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne talking to players (file photo). Photo: PHOTOSPORT
An Olympic spying scandal has erupted after Canada were caught flying a drone over the Football Ferns' training session.
A Canadian support staff member who operated the drone has been detained by police after New Zealand management reported the incident in Saint Etienne in central France.
The NZOC has formally lodged the incident with the IOC integrity unit and has asked Canada for a full review.
"The NZOC and New Zealand Football are committed to upholding the integrity and fairness of the Olympic Games and are deeply shocked and disappointed by this incident," NZOC said in a statement.
They said Football Ferms team members reported the incident immediately.
"At this time the NZOC's main priority is to support the New Zealand women's football athletes and wider team as they start their campaign."
Team Canada has issued an apology and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Canadian Olympic Committee said in a statement it was "shocked and disappointed" about the incident and that the detained person was a non-accredited member of the Canada Soccer support team.
"The staff member is believed to have been using a drone to record the New Zealand women's football team during practice," COC statement said.
"The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair play and we are shocked and disappointed. We offter our heartfelt apologies to New Zealand Football, to all the players affected, and to the NZOC.
"We are reviewing next steps with the IOC, Paris 2024, Canada Soccer and FIFA."
The teams play their opening match at the Olympics in Saint Etienne on Friday morning (NZT).
Canada are the defending Olympic champions and are ranked eighth in the world while New Zealand are ranked 28th.
The Canadians are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against the Football Ferns, including nine wins and four draws.
Coach Jitka Klimkova with player Betsy Hassett, who is not in the Olympic squad (file photo). Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It has been a troubled buildup for New Zealand, with head coach Jitka Klimkova having stood down from her role for the Olympics following an independent workplace employment investigation.
Assistant coach Michael Mayne is acting as head coach for the Football Ferns, who aren't favoured to advance through group play, where they face Canada, Colombia and hosts France.
The NZOC said it wasn't available for further comment about the drone incident.
RNZ has sought reaction from New Zealand Football.
