Canada-New Zealand drone controversy, explained: Why Canadian women's soccer flew device over New Zealand's practice

The NFL's "Spygate" may have happened over 15 years ago, but the Canadian women's soccer team is introducing a sequel to that major scandal.

The New Zealand women's soccer team caught a drone flying over its practice on Monday, July 22. The team immediately reported it to the police, who confirmed a staff member of the Canadian women's soccer team to be the culprit.

The staff member flying the drone was not named, but Canada's official statement described the person as a "non-accredited member of the Canada soccer support team." Canada denounced the act, citing the country's commitment to fair play.

The sequel was short-lived and the staff member must not have learned from the Patriots' mistakes in 2007. Nonetheless, why would Canada attempt to capture footage from New Zealand's practice?

The Sporting News explains the controversy below.

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Canada-New Zealand drone controversy, explained

The Canadian women's national team has already found itself in serious drama before the 2024 Paris Olympics have even begun.

The New Zealand women's soccer team caught a member of Canada's soccer support team spying on the team's practice with a drone on Monday, July 22.

Canada plays New Zealand in the first game of the Olympic women's soccer tournament, so the staff member was apparently attempting to get a leg up on their opponent. Additionally, Group A proves to be challenging with France, Canada, New Zealand, and Colombia matched up.

The police detained the staff member and New Zealand's Olympic Committee notified the International Olympic Committee of the occurrence.

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Canada has since come out with an official statement, apologizing for the incident while also condemning the "non-accredited member of the Canada soccer support team."

"The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair-play and we are shocked and disappointed," the statement read. "We offer our heartfelt apologies to New Zealand football, to all the players affected, and to the New Zealand Olympic Committee."

It's uncertain what the punishment will be for either the staff member or the Canadian squad. The team said it is "reviewing next steps with the IOC, Paris 2024, Canada soccer and FIFA." It also stated there will be an update to come.