TORONTO - Canada’s decision to deploy a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session at the Paris Olympics was “completely stupid,” says FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani. “In the sense that I have no idea what the hell you’re going to get out of that,” said Montagliani, a former Canada Soccer president who is also president of CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean. The scandal cost Canada women’s coach Bev Priestman her job, with assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joe Lombardi also leaving Canada Soccer. All three are serving one-year suspensions from FIFA. “Now, listen, do clubs and countries push the envelope to try to gain an upper hand? Yeah,” said Montagliani when asked about the scandal at a media roundtable Monday. “If we say no to that, we’re fools. “We’ve all been into countries that will do anything they can, whether its fireworks the night before a match. Whatever they think that will get you three points. Because when it comes to football, a lot of countries think it’s war. But for me personally I just thought it (the drone spying) was the definition of stupidity.” FIFA, which runs the football competition at the Olympics, also docked the Canadian women six points at the tournament after a Canadian staffer was caught using a drone to spy on New Zealand team practices before the start of competition at the Paris Games. Canada Soccer was also fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($322,500). Canada Soccer continues to investigate just how deep a culture of spying was ingrained in the organization and has opened a disciplinary hearing into former Canada men’s and women’s coach John Herdman, who resigned as Toronto FC coach last month. “If any of this stuff reveals any new information whatsoever that’s subject to FIFA jurisdiction, the FIFA ethics committee or discipline committee, or both, will act on it,” Montagliani said. Montagliani says disciplinary issues in soccer usually fall under the national governing body. But Canada Soccer could refer the matter to FIFA if it has wider-ranging implications. —- Follow @NeilMDavidson on X platform This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2024.
The Block favourites Ricky and Haydn make shock career announcement READ MORE: The Block's Ricky breaks his silence over cheating allegations By JIMMY BRIGGS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 22:14, 9 December 2024 | Updated: 22:43, 9 December 2024 e-mail View comments The Block fan favourites Ricky and Haydn took to social media on Monday to make a very surprising career announcement. The Melbourne-based best mates shared a clip to Instagram in which they excitedly told fans about their new online merchandise business, for which they sell copies of the colourful Balzac hats they wore on the series. 'Guess what guys, we are finally live! Jump on and get a Ricky and Haydn hat, it's the best Christmas present ever!' they excitedly told followers. The eye-popping vintage-inspired Balzac hats are decorated in a variety of abstract colourful patterns, and became known as the cheeky duo's favourite accessory during their stint on the Channel Nine show. 'There is limited numbers so first in best dressed. There’s not one hat that’s the same, they’re all individual. Everyone gets their own hat,' Ricky added. The headwear items are selling for $49.99 each, with the first 100 buyers also scoring a free pair of fluoro shoelaces. The Block fan favourites Ricky and Haydn took to social media on Monday to make a very surprising career announcement. Both pictured Many of their fans quickly took to the comment section to express their excitement at the new business venture. 'Got me hat ordered legends. Keen to be a fun factory member,' one keen fan wrote. 'I'm so excited that you’ve done this! I can’t wait to see which design turns up in the mail!' a second person added. 'So good! Our 10yo is going to be stoked!' a third user chipped in. Ricky and Haydn developed a reputation on The Block for their flamboyant fashion choices and cheeky outgoing personalities. It comes after Ricky revealed the tragic personal loss that helped push him to audition for Nine's ratings blockbuster. The plumber said he wanted to pay tribute to his mate Lachey, who was killed in 2012 by a drunk driver at age 23. 'I hope that at the end of this life he will be standing there applauding me and going "well done, mate, you couldn't have given it any more",' he said. The Melbourne-based best mates shared a clip to Instagram in which they excitedly told fans about their new online merchandise business, in which they sell copies of the colourful Balzac hats they wore on the show Read More EXCLUSIVE The Block star Haydn's pregnant wife Chelsea supports her husband at the 2024 auctions Interviewed for New Idea magazine, Ricky said it took him many months to get over the loss. In one heartbreaking admission, the pipey said he frequently visited the cemetery where his mate was buried to weep over the grave. 'Eventually time passes, and I knew Lachey didn't want me there at his tomb crying,' Ricky explained. Ricky said after his mate's life was cut short he wanted to make the most of every opportunity that came along. 'That's one thing I've done since 2012,' he continued. 'I've made sure I've grasped everything with two hands. I never walk past an open door without at least having a look.' As the contest has got underway, Ricky has won over huge legions of fans with many viewers calling him their celebrity crush as they commented on his looks. Fans have also been left charmed by his positive attitude and cheeky sense of humour, taking to social media to claim Ricky's Yellow Team as their favourites. The Block Reality Instagram Celebrity Life Share or comment on this article: The Block favourites Ricky and Haydn make shock career announcement e-mail Add comment
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