World Cup ‘spying’ concern after drone shot down at training session | Football | Sport
A drone was shot down near South Korea’s training facilities (Image: Getty)
South Korea manager Hong Myung-Bo has addressed the incident after a drone was brought down close to his nation’s World Cup training base in the lead-up to their encounter with Mexico in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The Associated Press reports that Mexican military personnel intercepted and shot down the drone which appeared near their training facility in Guadalajara, raising concerns over possible ‘spying’.
Mexican military forces deployed specialist equipment which identified the “unregistered drone,” prompting them to “neutralize” it. A Mexican federal agent is said to have confirmed the development to AP on condition of anonymity, as they were not permitted to speak about the matter publicly.
South Korea face one of the tournament hosts on Thursday, with victory securing their passage into the knockout rounds of the competition, while a win for Mexico would guarantee a similar outcome for the hosts.
Addressing reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, Hong voiced his relief that the drone was detected before his team began working on their tactical preparations. “So yesterday, during our training, there was a drone in the sky and we came to know about the fact,” he said.
“But fortunately, it was right before we practiced our tactics. So it did not impact us significantly. But while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing. So what happened was unfortunate.”
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It remains unclear when the incident occurred, or whether any arrests were made. Security for the tournament has been significantly heightened, involving military personnel and local police across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The report suggests several drones have been neutralised since the tournament commenced after attempting to breach security zones surrounding stadiums in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, as well as fan zones and training facilities.
Hong Myung-Bo has addressed reports of a drone being shot down. (Image: Getty)
Back in March, Mexican authorities unveiled a World Cup security plan dubbed “Plan Kukulkan,” which involves approximately 100,000 personnel drawn from police forces and federal and local military units.
The plan incorporates measures including early warning systems, security protocols at stadiums, airports, roads and hotels, and protection arrangements for teams, officials and supporters. In Canada, unauthorised drones are prohibited from flying over World Cup stadiums and training facilities in Vancouver and Toronto as part of security measures that remain in effect until July 7.
It marks the latest security incident at the tournament, with England also suffering an unwanted setback when their training kit was stolen in transit from Miami to Kansas City.
Fortunately for Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions, police were able to retrieve the stolen kit. A statement from Kansas City Police confirmed: “We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived with items missing on Friday evening.
“The investigation is ongoing and two subjects of interest were taken into custody. Additional details are not available at this point as the case is actively being investigated. We are working with the prosecutors office for determination of applicable charges.”
