Bev Priestman named head coach of Wellington Phoenix FC women’s team, marking return after FIFA suspension tied to Olympic drone scandal.
Canadian Coach Rejoins Football After Ban
Bev Priestman, the former head coach of the Canadian women’s national soccer team, is making a return to professional coaching. On July 29, 2025, New Zealand-based Wellington Phoenix FC officially announced her appointment as head coach of its A-League women’s team, ending her year-long hiatus from the sport due to a FIFA-imposed suspension.
New Chapter in New Zealand
Wellington Phoenix, the only professional women’s soccer team in New Zealand, signed Priestman to a two-year deal. The club expressed full confidence in her leadership. “We’re really pleased to welcome Bev back to football,” said Rob Morrison, chairman of Wellington Phoenix. “Bev is a world-class coach and a top person, and I have no doubt she will bring her winning mentality to the Phoenix.”
Phoenix finished ninth in the 2024–25 A-League season with a 7-13-3 record, seeking fresh leadership to elevate their performance.
Fallout from the Drone Scandal
Priestman’s coaching career came to a halt after the controversial 2024 Paris Olympics drone scandal, where members of the Canadian coaching staff, including Priestman, were found guilty of violating integrity standards. Drones were reportedly flown over private training sessions of opposing teams, prompting the New Zealand Olympic Committee to file a complaint.
FIFA handed one-year bans to Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and analyst Joey Lombardi. All three have since parted ways with Canada Soccer.
Personal and Professional Ties to New Zealand
Priestman’s move to Wellington Phoenix marks a return to familiar territory. Her wife, Emma Humphries, a former New Zealand international, currently serves as the club’s academy director. Priestman also worked in Wellington over a decade ago, leading coach development programs for New Zealand Football.
“I’m thrilled to have signed with the Wellington Phoenix,” Priestman said in a statement. “It’s a fantastic club with big ambitions, world-class facilities and a phenomenal fan base.”
A Respected Name in Global Women’s Soccer
Priestman’s resume includes Olympic gold with Canada at Tokyo 2020, multiple FIFA Best Coach nominations, and extensive experience coaching youth and senior national teams in Canada, New Zealand, and England.
She took over Canada’s women’s team in November 2020, succeeding Kenneth Heiner-Møller, and was credited with revitalizing the squad. Prior to that, she had significant stints in youth development with both England’s FA and Canada Soccer, and served under John Herdman during his tenure.
Endorsements from Football Leaders
Stephen Conroy, executive chairman of the Australian Professional Leagues, welcomed the appointment, stating: “Bev is a world-renowned national team head coach and Olympic champion, and her experience will be a huge boost for the Phoenix.”
As she steps back into coaching, all eyes will be on how Priestman leads the Wellington Phoenix in rebuilding and repositioning their team within the competitive A-League Women.
© 2025 Mapple News Wire
