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Bev Priestman Returns to Football as Wellington Phoenix Head Coach After Drone Scandal Ban

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by

Lucy
in , ,

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • Bev Priestman, an Olympic gold medalist and former Canada women’s national team coach, has returned to professional football as the head coach of Wellington Phoenix’s women’s team.
  • Her appointment follows a 12-month ban issued by FIFA due to her involvement in a drone spying scandal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
  • Priestman signed a two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix on July 30, 2025, aiming to help the club achieve its first championship title in the A-League Women.
  • She brings significant experience and international success, with her arrival seen as an endorsement for the league’s growth.
  • Her personal connection to New Zealand through her wife Emma Humphries, a former international player and academy director, reinforces her commitment to contributing to the country’s football scene.

Table of Contents

Olympic Gold Medalist Bev Priestman Makes a Comeback with Wellington Phoenix

What Happened: The Drone Scandal Backstory

New Beginnings with Wellington Phoenix

Priestman’s Statements and Club Vision

The Broader Impact

Personal Connection to New Zealand

What This Means Going Forward

Olympic Gold Medalist Bev Priestman Makes a Comeback with Wellington Phoenix

In a surprising and highly talked-about development, Bev Priestman, the former Canada women’s national team coach, has been appointed head coach of Wellington Phoenix’s women’s team, marking her return to professional football after serving a 12-month ban related to a drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics[1], [2], [3].

What Happened: The Drone Scandal Backstory

Priestman, who holds a prestigious UEFA Pro Licence and is an Olympic gold medal-winning coach, was banned by FIFA for a year due to her involvement in the misuse of drones during two practice sessions at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This ban barred her from any football-related activity and ultimately led to her departure as Canada’s head coach[1], [3].

New Beginnings with Wellington Phoenix

On July 30, 2025, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s only A-League Women’s club competing in Australia’s top-flight league, officially announced Priestman’s signing on a two-year deal[1], [4]. Her arrival brings significant coaching credentials and international success to a club eager to reverse its fortunes after a ninth-place finish last season.

Priestman conveyed her excitement and optimism despite the difficult year she endured. She sees Wellington Phoenix as the perfect place to restart her career and aims to help the club achieve its first championship title in the competitive A-League Women[2].

Priestman’s Statements and Club Vision

“Phoenix is a fantastic club with big ambitions, world-class facilities, and a phenomenal fan base,” Priestman said. “We have a responsibility now to fly the flag for this country and try to do something special.”

The Broader Impact

This appointment has been described by Stephen Conroy, chairman of the Australian Professional Leagues, as a “fantastic endorsement” for the A-League Women competition. Priestman’s experience is expected to significantly enhance the development of the Wellington squad and elevate the league’s profile[3].

Personal Connection to New Zealand

Priestman’s ties to New Zealand run deeper through her wife, Emma Humphries, a former New Zealand international and current academy director for Wellington Phoenix. This connection strengthens her commitment to making an impact on the club and the country’s football scene[4].

What This Means Going Forward

Bev Priestman’s return is a story of resilience and redemption in the face of controversy. For Wellington Phoenix and the A-League Women, her arrival represents a fresh opportunity to compete at the highest level with one of football’s most experienced coaches. Fans and followers of women’s football should watch closely as Priestman seeks to turn past challenges into future successes.

FAQ

What is Bev Priestman’s background in football?

Bev Priestman is an Olympic gold medal-winning coach and holds a UEFA Pro Licence. She previously coached the Canada women’s national team and is known for her international success in women’s football.

Why was Priestman banned by FIFA?

She was banned for a year due to her involvement in the misuse of drones during practice sessions at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which was related to a spying scandal.

What is Priestman’s vision for Wellington Phoenix?

Priestman aims to bring her international experience to help the club achieve its first championship in the A-League Women, emphasizing growth and success.