Joey Lombardi has been given a suspended eight-month prison sentence for his part in the Olympics spying scandal earlier this week.
Canada’s women’s football team will be looking to defend their gold medal from Tokyo in Paris at this year’s Games.
But their preparations have gone to turmoil with Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander sent home following a spying scandal.
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced on Wednesday that a ‘non-accredited member of the Canada Soccer support team’ had been detained by French authorities for using a drone to spy on New Zealand’s women’s football team.
Football at the Olympics is already underway
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Canada begin the defence of their Olympic title against New Zealand on Thursday.
The COC said: “The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair-play and we are shocked and disappointed.
“We offer our heartfelt apologies to New Zealand Football, to all the players affected, and to the New Zealand Olympic Committee.”
Lombardi was later named as the analyst who flew the drone over New Zealand’s training session in Saint-Etienne.
The 43-year-old pleaded guilty when he appeared in court and was given a suspended eight-month prison sentence, according to AFP.
Canada’s head coach Bev Priestman has also announced that she will not take part in their match against New Zealand.
“On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologise to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada,” she said.
“This does not represent the values that our team stands for.
Canada won gold at the last Olympics
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“Irrespective of the details, I’m ultimately accountable for this team.
“By no means did I direct the individuals … I’m still learning the details and obviously this is all unfolding.
“But again, I think the important thing right now is to look forward, put the actions in place and take the sanctions.”
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Bev Priestman will step down for Canada’s game against New Zealand
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The scandal has also caused a stir in the Canada dressing room, but Vanessa Gilles is hopeful the team can put it behind them.
“Obviously it’s not ideal, especially with such a big tournament on the horizon,” she said.
“But at the end of the day we’re all professionals. We’re all going to make the most out of the situation we’re put in. We’re going to lean on each other.”