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Bev Priestman, the former coach of the Canadian women’s football team, has opened up about the emotional toll of her suspension from football following a spying scandal at the Paris Olympics.
Speaking publicly for the first time since her one-year ban was lifted, Priestman revealed she no longer felt safe living in North America and has now taken up a new role as head coach of Wellington Phoenix’s women’s team in New Zealand.
The 39-year-old was visibly moved during her media appearance on Wednesday as she discussed the fallout from the scandal, which saw her coaching team use a drone to observe New Zealand’s training sessions ahead of their Olympic clash.
FIFA imposed a year-long ban on Priestman and two other officials, with an investigation later concluding that Canada had been spying on opponents for some time.
Reflecting on life in Canada after the incident, Priestman said the situation had become untenable for her and her family.
“I didn’t feel safe. That’s being brutally honest,” she admitted. “It was very difficult for my family, and I have to live with that. It was a media frenzy—people knocking at your door—and I’ve got a little boy. We knew we had to get out of that country.”
Although she remains restricted from discussing the case in detail due to ongoing legal proceedings, Priestman said she has spoken with officials and players in New Zealand and is ready to begin a new chapter.
She signed a two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix and led her first training session on Tuesday evening, just hours after her ban officially ended.
“I celebrated last night coaching my son’s under-7s team in the pouring Wellington rain,” she said. “That was a nice, humbling experience. They got all the energy from me in that moment because I’ve just been itching to coach again.”
Priestman, who famously guided Canada to Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games, is the most decorated coach to lead a team in the women’s A-League.
Despite the controversy, she believes the experience has made her a better coach and person.
“There are certain values I hold, and unfortunately, things around me clouded my judgment,” she said. “I just want to get back to what I love—working with people and creating something special for this city and this country.”
Wellington Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison voiced strong support for the appointment. “We’re pleased to welcome Bev back to football,” he said.
“We understand the circumstances, and we’re comfortable with this decision. Bev can’t wait to get started, and we’re happy she’s going to be leading the Phoenix.”
