Sports
Canada Faces Scrutiny Over Drone Use in Olympic Training
Canada’s national soccer team officials are facing scrutiny over the use of drones before the Paris Olympics, potentially tarnishing their Tokyo 2020 women’s gold medal. This development follows the suspension of Bev Priestman, the former head coach of Canada’s women’s Olympic team, after a drone was reportedly flown over New Zealand’s training session on Monday.
The head of Canada’s Olympic Committee stated that Priestman, 38, was “highly likely” aware of the incident, leading to her suspension by Canada Soccer. Reports from Canadian media suggest that both the men’s and women’s senior teams have utilized drones for years, though these claims have been met with both denial and acknowledgment of past drone use.
Canada Soccer’s chief executive, Kevin Blue, confirmed he had received “anecdotal feedback” regarding drone usage during the men’s team’s successful run to the Copa America semi-finals this summer. Coach Jesse Marsch was reportedly unaware of the drone’s use until after the event. Blue stated, “I am aware of an instance of attempted drone usage at the Copa America. I have spoken with our current head coach about the incident after it occurred, and I know he denounced it as a practice to his staff.”
David Shoemaker, the Canadian Olympic Committee’s chief executive, expressed concern, stating there “appears to be information that could tarnish” Canada’s women’s football triumph at the Tokyo Games. Shoemaker said, “It makes me ill, it makes me sick to my stomach to think that there could be something that calls it into question.”
Christine Sinclair, a former Canada striker and the world’s all-time leading international goal scorer, remarked that players were never shown drone footage. On Instagram, Sinclair stated, “It’s unfortunate that players of our national team had to play through condemnable actions by some of their staff as they attempt to defend our gold medal. Actions players have no control over.”
Priestman, who served as an assistant coach to Phil Neville with the England women’s team, became Canada boss in October 2020, before the delayed Olympics in Japan. She “voluntarily” withdrew from Canada’s opening 2-1 victory over New Zealand on Thursday, while assistant Jasmine Mander and “unaccredited analyst” Joseph Lombardi were sent home.
In a statement on Wednesday, Priestman said she took responsibility for her colleagues’ actions after a scouting report filed by Lombardi was sent to Mander. On Thursday, a French court handed Lombardi an eight-month suspended jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to flying a drone in an urban area without a license.
Blue expressed hope that FIFA, football’s world governing body, would not consider sanctions against the country’s national team players.
Novak Djokovic made history at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer’s record for the most major singles matches played in tennis history. The 37-year-old Serbian star achieved the milestone with a hard-fought win against qualifier Jaime Faria, triumphing 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the tournament’s third round.
With his 430th Grand Slam singles match, Djokovic now holds the all-time record for the most Grand Slam matches played by any tennis player, male or female. He overtakes Federer, whose last Grand Slam match was at Wimbledon in 2021, solidifying his place in tennis history.
Reflecting on his achievement, Djokovic expressed gratitude and passion for the sport:
“I love this sport. I love competition. I try to give my best every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level. Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record.”
The victory adds another chapter to Djokovic’s illustrious career, as he continues to push the boundaries of excellence in tennis. With his relentless drive and unmatched consistency, Djokovic remains a dominant force on the court and a source of inspiration to fans around the world.
Jack Grealish scored his first goal in over a year and James McAtee delivered a stunning second-half hat-trick as Manchester City demolished League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup third round. The 7-0 victory was City’s biggest win since January 2019.
Grealish opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a calm penalty after being fouled, jokingly deferring to usual spot-kick taker Erling Haaland, who was rested on the bench. This marked Grealish’s first goal since December 16, 2023, when he netted against Crystal Palace, ending a prolonged struggle for form.
Twenty minutes later, Grealish passed penalty duties to Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, who confidently converted. Doku, instrumental throughout, set the tone for the dominant performance, helping City capitalize on their first-ever competitive meeting with Salford City, a club owned by Manchester United’s famous “Class of ’92.”
City’s youth players made the most of their opportunities. Divin Mubama, making his debut, tapped in Matheus Nunes’ precise low cross to claim his first senior goal. Nico O’Reilly also opened his City account, firing a low shot into the far corner from Doku’s cut-back.
The star of the match, however, was James McAtee. The England Under-21 midfielder, often overlooked this season, stole the spotlight with a clinical hat-trick. His first came in the 62nd minute, courtesy of another Doku assist. McAtee completed his treble within 19 minutes, with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish providing the setups for his second and third goals, respectively.
With key players rested, Pep Guardiola’s side showed their depth and quality, dominating possession and dismantling a Salford team that struggled to cope with the Premier League giants’ intensity.
David Moyes has been reappointed as Everton manager, marking his second tenure at the club. The 61-year-old Scot signed a two-and-a-half-year contract after Sean Dyche was dismissed on Thursday. Everton currently sits 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, with only three wins from 19 matches this season.
Moyes expressed his excitement about returning to Goodison Park:
“I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club. Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.”
Moyes first managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, during which he transformed the club from relegation candidates to regular top-half finishers. His achievements included:
- Guiding Everton to the FA Cup final in 2009.
- Securing a fourth-place finish in 2004-05, leading to Champions League qualification.
- Developing young talent, including giving Wayne Rooney his professional debut.
- Signing iconic players like Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini.
After leaving Everton to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, Moyes managed Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and West Ham United, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2023. Moyes had been out of management since leaving West Ham at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Everton faces significant challenges, but Moyes brings vast experience and a deep understanding of the club’s culture. His goal is to stabilize the team and ensure their place in the Premier League as they prepare to transition to their new stadium.
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