Drone Incidents in Soccer- Even Sports Are No Exception!

 

The debate surrounding drones isn’t new. The world is divided, and people are radically opinionated about whether drones are the friend or foes of humankind. However, there’s no denying that Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAVs) / drones threaten privacy anywhere and everywhere. Especially sensitive establishments belonging to the government need round-the-clock protection from the swarm of drones with appropriate counter-drone systems. However, did you know that not only prudent establishments are at risk? Drones are a massive security risk for even games like international soccer world cups. Surprising? Well, read on to know more!

 

It all started in 2014

The 2014 Soccer World Cup held in Brazil was an eye-opener for those who undermine the significance of counter-drone systems. A drone was spotted during the training session of France’s soccer team before their match against Honduras. Although the governing body at FIFA dismissed the incident; it certainly raised awareness about the safety and security of sports teams playing on the international level, as the security and safety threats drones present are real. 

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27853374

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/14/france-drone-fifa-spying-investigation-world-cup

 

Wondering how France reacted to the overall scenario? Didier Deschamps, the manager of France’s soccer team described the event as unfortunate. He further added that drones are gradually intruding into the privacy of sports teams before matches, but fighting UAVs / drones was no cakewalk. 

 

Again in 2014, a match between Serbia and Albania was halted for 41 minutes for political provocation when a drone carrying the Albanian national flag sparked a brawl. The regretful incident happened in the first half of the night match when a drone popped up over the pitch with a banner marked with an Albanian flag and a map of greater Albania with nationalist claims showing Serbia and other neighboring states. 

 

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29627615

 

Fast forwarding to 2021

In 2021, these camera-equipped drones became a nuisance to sports. Almost every soccer enthusiast knows how Argentina and Chile are among the fiercest soccer competitors. Both the rivals were face to face in a 2021 World Cup qualifier match, which marks the game's gravity. However, in one of the training sessions, the Chile team saw a spy cam configured in a drone hovering on their training ground. 

 

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57328458

 

There were a lot of speculations about the suspicious object, and even the Chilean team sent a drone back to check out the trajectory of the UAV / drone and intercept the possible privacy breach. Later, the UAV / drone was discovered to be the property of Enel, an energy company, allegedly using the drone to analyze street lighting. 

 

However bizarre it may seem; if it would have been for a counter-drone system, such as a drone radar, the UAV / drone would have been detected before it crossed the aerial periphery of the training ground, and drone jammers could have jammed the signal from the drone. 

 

Was it the last time? 

No, it wasn’t. Time and again, sophisticated drone trackers and drone detectors have identified unauthorized UAVs / drones, and if sensitive national and international establishments need to be protected, the need for countermeasures is imperative for stopping unauthorized drone activities. 


Location: United States

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