PARIS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The coach of the Canadian women's football team Beverly Priestman won't be in the dugout when her side play New Zealand in their opening match in the football tournament of Paris 2024 and two members of her coaching staff have been sent home after being accused of flying a drone over one of their rival's training sessions.

Priestman's assistant, Jasmine Mander and uncredited analyst, Joseph Lombardi have been sent home, while the Canadian Olympic Committee admitted that Mander received a scouting report on New Zealand drawn up by Lombardi.

That has seen Priestman "voluntarily withdraw" from coaching Canada in Thursday's game, which is due to be played in St Etienne.

"I first and foremost want to apologize to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada. This does not represent the values that our team stands for," said the coach, adding she was "ultimately responsible" for the actions of her assistants.

The Canadian Olympic Committee have issued a statement saying they "stand for fair play" and are "shocked" by events, while the New Zealand Olympic Committee has lodged a formal complaint with the IOC integrity unit and asked for a "full review."