Bev Priestman Returns to Coaching with Wellington Phoenix

Bev Priestman, who was previously dismissed as Canada's women's coach due to her involvement in using drones for spying during the Paris Olympics, is making a comeback to the sport with New Zealand's Wellington Phoenix. Recently completing a one-year FIFA ban related to the incident, Priestman is set to coach the Phoenix women's team.

The 39-year-old Englishwoman, who led the Canadian team to an Olympic gold medal in 2021, has been offered a two-year contract. The Phoenix women's team, which ended in ninth place out of 12 in the Australian A-League Women earlier this year, hopes to benefit from her expertise. As Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison expressed, the club is excited to welcome her.

Priestman shares a history with New Zealand, having served as New Zealand Football's director of football development and is married to former Football Ferns midfielder Emma Humphries. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity and aims to create memorable experiences for the team and the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)