WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Canadian coaches have been barred from participating in the drone surveillance controversy linked to the Olympics in Paris.
Bev Priestman, who recently concluded a year-long suspension from all football activities, has signed a two-year deal with Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand’s capital.
Priestman’s spouse, Emma Humphreys, joined Wellington Phoenix in December as the academy director. Humphreys, a former New Zealand international, previously coached the Canadian youth women’s national team.
This situation for Priestman is particularly poignant as FIFA investigations disclosed that she, along with other coaching staff, utilized drones to spy on New Zealand’s women’s national team ahead of their first match at the Paris Olympics.
She was dismissed from her role as Canada’s head coach following an evaluation by Canadian football authorities.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Bev back to football,” stated Phoenix President Rob Morrison on Wednesday. “We acknowledge her time away from the sport, and we feel confident about this appointment.”
Priestman guided Canada to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics and has a robust coaching portfolio that includes four Women’s World Cups, three Olympics, and three FIFA Youth World Cups. She also previously held roles in coaching development at Wellington and as the director of development for New Zealand football.
In her statement to the club, Priestman expressed gratitude for the chance to return to her passion, stating her intent to create memorable experiences for both the city and the country.
Wellington Phoenix is a prominent club in Australia’s top women’s league, the A-League, and Priestman aims to secure its first championship title. “We are driven to achieve that milestone for the club,” she said.
Stephen Conroy, president of Australia’s professional league, remarked that her hiring reflects strong support for the competition. “Bev is the head coach of a globally recognized national team and an Olympic champion,” he remarked. “Her experience will significantly benefit Phoenix’s promising squad.”
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report. ESPN writer Jeff Kassoff also contributed.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it marks the return of a highly accomplished coach who has proven her mettle on the international stage. Priestman’s leadership could invigorate the Phoenix squad and elevate women’s football in the region, potentially inspiring a new generation of players.
