Bev Priestman, the former head coach of Canada’s women’s soccer team, recently opened up about her difficult and unsettling experience in Canada following a high-profile spying scandal at the Paris Olympics. Her admission that she “didn’t feel safe” living in the country after being banned shines a light on the emotional and personal toll the controversy took—not just professionally, but on her family life as well. Now embarking on a fresh coaching chapter in New Zealand, Priestman’s story is one of resilience, controversy, and rebirth in the sport she loves.
The Spying Scandal That Shook Canadian Soccer
In 2024, Priestman faced a one-year suspension after FIFA and Canada Soccer investigated allegations that members of her coaching staff used a drone to secretly observe the New Zealand women’s national team’s training sessions before their Olympic match. The incident overshadowed Canada’s Olympic campaign, leading to Priestman’s dismissal as head coach.
Key Facts About the Incident:
- The drone spying occurred prior to Canada’s first match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- FIFA imposed a one-year ban on Priestman for “inappropriate conduct and breach of fair play principles.”
- Canada Soccer permanently removed her from the coaching role after an independent review.
- The scandal created a media storm and intense public backlash.
Life After the Ban: Fear and New Beginnings
Priestman has spoken candidly about her emotional state in the aftermath. The pressure was immense:
Feeling Unsafe: “I didn’t feel safe living in Canada after the Olympics,” she revealed openly during a press conference.
Family Struggles: The intense media scrutiny and visitors at her home took a toll on her family, especially with a young son to protect.
Decision to Leave: Recognizing the need for a safer and more stable environment, Priestman and her family decided to leave Canada.
Reigniting Her Career in New Zealand
Just months after her ban ended, Priestman embraced a new opportunity as head coach of the Wellington Phoenix Women, New Zealand’s only professional women’s soccer team competing in the Australian A-League Women.
Highlights of Her New Role:
Return to a Familiar Land: Priestman has strong ties to New Zealand, having previously worked as director of football development there.
Two-Year Contract: She signed to lead Wellington Phoenix, aiming to build a competitive squad and excite fans.
A Chance to Rebuild Reputation: This role represents a fresh start, allowing her to channel her passion for coaching without the shadow of the scandal looming.
Vision on the Pitch: Priestman wants players to express themselves, take risks, and create “special moments” for the club and country.
Wellington Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison expressed enthusiasm about the hiring, praising Priestman as a world-class coach with a winning mentality.
The Complex Legacy of Bev Priestman
Priestman’s tenure with Canada was marked by notable highs, including guiding the team to a gold medal at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, the spying scandal remains a defining episode.
Career Achievements:
- 30 victories in 56 matches as Canada coach
- Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2021
- Multiple FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic appearances as coach
- UEFA Pro Licence, one of the sport’s highest coaching credentials
Challenges:
- The spying incident that led to suspension and dismissal
- Intense public and media scrutiny
- Personal safety concerns forcing relocation
FAQs: Bev Priestman, the Spying Ban, and Her Future
1. Why was Bev Priestman banned from coaching?
She received a one-year suspension for her role in a drone spying scandal at the 2024 Paris Olympics where her staff used a drone to spy on New Zealand’s training session.
2. How did the scandal affect Priestman personally?
Priestman said she didn’t feel safe in Canada afterward, facing media storms and disturbances at her home, forcing her family to relocate for safety.
3. What is Priestman’s current coaching position?
She is now the head coach of Wellington Phoenix Women in New Zealand’s capital, signed on for a two-year contract post-ban.
4. What is the significance of her new role in New Zealand?
It marks a fresh start in a familiar environment where she previously contributed to football development, allowing her to rebuild and focus on coaching.
5. Did Priestman have a successful coaching career before the scandal?
Yes, she led Canada to Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021 and achieved a strong overall coaching record with multiple international appearances.
Conclusion: A Journey of Setbacks and New Horizons
Bev Priestman’s story reminds us that behind the headlines and controversies lie human struggles and resilience. The ordeal left her feeling unsafe in Canada, but it also opened the door to new opportunities abroad. As she begins this next chapter with Wellington Phoenix, her ambition to inspire players and reclaim her place in the game shines bright. The future holds promise for Priestman, as she aims to turn past challenges into fuel for success on the soccer field.
