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.
Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa fans after saying his new club was above his former side.
The Belgium international, 29, joined United from Villa this summer on a five-year contract after the club triggered his £35m release clause.
Tielemans spent three years at Villa Park after joining from Leicester City in 2023, making 134 appearances and scoring 10 goals.
Speaking during United’s pre-season tour, Tielemans praised Villa for helping him return to his best form but then said: “There are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
His comments drew criticism from some Villa supporters, prompting the midfielder to issue an apology on Instagram.
“Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or the institution of Aston Villa Football Club, which I massively respect and I’m grateful for the past three years,” Tielemans wrote.
“I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future.
“Wishing the club the best in the future.”
Tielemans, who helped Belgium reach the quarter-finals of this summer’s World Cup, signed for United in July in a deal that keeps him at Old Trafford until 2031.
He described the transfer as “the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football”, adding that joining “such a special club” was an incredible feeling.
The midfielder endured injury problems last season, suffering separate calf and ankle issues that limited him to 35 appearances in all competitions for Villa — his lowest total in a season since moving to England.
United will face AC Milan in their final pre-season fixture on Saturday, while Villa play Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Premier League season begins next weekend.
Paris Saint-Germain have been given an additional dressing room at the Red Bull Arena after expressing dissatisfaction with their facilities ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa.
Champions League winners PSG were initially allocated the away dressing room at the stadium in Austria, while Europa League champions Aston Villa were using Red Bull Salzburg’s home dressing room.
PSG officials raised concerns with UEFA during a pre-match meeting on Monday, saying their allocated dressing room was too small.
UEFA subsequently made a spare dressing room available to PSG, allowing the French side more space and facilities comparable to those provided to Aston Villa.
The additional room is normally used by match officials, but UEFA said no officials were moved to accommodate PSG.
Luis Enrique’s side will face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in the Super Cup, which brings together the winners of Europe’s two major club competitions from the previous season.
Bruno Guimaraes has completed his move from Newcastle United to Premier League champions Arsenal, saying he felt ready for a new challenge.
The 28-year-old Brazil midfielder has signed a four-year contract with Arsenal, with the option of a further 12 months.
Guimaraes had made it clear earlier in the summer that he wanted to join Arsenal and left Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, earlier this week to complete the transfer after talks between the clubs reached an agreement.
“This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me,” Guimaraes said.
“But I wanted to experience something new in my life. I feel ready for a new challenge for myself and my family.”
The midfielder said he had received messages from several of his new team-mates, including fellow Brazil international Gabriel and England midfielder Declan Rice.
Rice, who has previously faced Guimaraes in midfield, joked: “Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends.”
“I’m at the point of my life, I think I need a challenge like this,” Guimaraes said. “I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it. I’m so excited to start.”
Guimaraes joined Newcastle in January 2022 when the club were battling relegation and quickly became an important part of their revival under former manager Eddie Howe.
He was appointed captain and became the first Newcastle skipper in 70 years to lift a major domestic trophy when the club beat Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle said they wished Guimaraes and his family well following his departure.
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