Former Canada Coach Priestman Returns to Wellington Phoenix After FIFA Ban

Bev Priestman, the former Canada women's football coach banned for one year by FIFA due to her role in using drones to spy on New Zealand's training sessions at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is making a coaching return with Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand's A-League Women. After being sacked by Canada Soccer and facing intense media scrutiny that made her and her family feel unsafe in North America, Priestman has signed a two-year deal with Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand's only professional women's football club, where she previously held roles in football development. Despite the controversy, the club's chairman expressed full support for her appointment, emphasizing her world-class coaching credentials and the club's ambition. Priestman expressed excitement about returning to football, viewing the role as an opportunity to reset her career and represent New Zealand proudly, acknowledging the irony of coaching in the country her team was caught spying on. Her ban ended in late July 2025, and she has already begun coaching again, including sessions with youth teams. Priestman’s return marks a dramatic comeback from a significant scandal, highlighting both her talent and the complexities of her situation.