Former Canada women's football coach Beverly Priestman has opened up about her challenging exit from the country following a spying scandal that led to her one-year ban by FIFA. Priestman, who recently took up the role of head coach for New Zealand's Wellington Phoenix, described her time in Canada as unsafe and fraught with difficulties.

The Scandal Unfolds

Priestman, along with two other staff members, was banned after a drone was used to spy on a training session of the New Zealand team before their opening match at the 2024 Olympics. This incident was not isolated, as Canada Soccer discovered prior drone use against other opponents, which ultimately led to her removal as head coach before the official ban.

Personal and Professional Impact

"I didn't feel safe [living in Canada]," Priestman admitted. "It was very difficult for my family, and I have to live with that." The media frenzy surrounding the scandal was overwhelming, with people showing up at her door, making the situation untenable for her and her young son.

Legal and Professional Repercussions

In addition to the FIFA ban, Priestman received an eight-month suspended jail sentence for flying a drone in an urban area without a license. Despite these challenges, Canada managed to advance out of the group stages at the Olympics, only to be eliminated by Germany in the quarter-finals.

A New Chapter

Priestman, who previously served as Phil Neville's assistant with England's women's team and led Canada to Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021, is now focused on her new role with Wellington Phoenix. She hopes to bring her experience and resilience to the New Zealand side, aiming for success in the upcoming seasons.

Related Topics

• Football
• Women's Football

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