Canada's former coach Priestman returns after spy scandal
Many of us might remember the so-called Spy Scandal at last year’s Olympics in Paris. The Canadian football team, who were defending their gold medal, were docked points after using drones to spy on their opponents during training sessions. Head coach Bev Priestman received a one-year ban, but she now has a new job.
- Bev Priestman has been appointed head coach of the Wellington Phoenix Women side on a two‑year contract, starting after completing a one‑year FIFA suspension.
- The ban was imposed due to her involvement in a drone spying scandal during the Paris 2024 Olympics, in which Canada’s staff monitored New Zealand’s training sessions. She was dismissed by Canada Soccer in late 2024.
- Priestman led Canada’s national women’s team to Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021, coached at multiple Women's World Cups, Olympic Games, and FIFA youth tournaments, and previously worked in coaching development in New Zealand.
- Wellington Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison expressed full confidence in her appointment despite the controversy, highlighting the club’s excitement about entering a new era under her leadership.
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