Bev Priestman Moves to New Zealand After Feeling Unsafe in Canada

Former Canadian women's national team head coach Bev Priestman has explained her decision to move to New Zealand. Priestman, who recently accepted a coaching position with Wellington Phoenix FC, expressed that she no longer felt safe in Canada after her suspension related to spying at the Paris Olympics.

Speaking to reporters in New Zealand, Priestman stated, \"I didn't feel safe. Obviously it was an absolute media frenzy. You've got people knocking at your door and everything, and I've got a little boy.\" She added, \"Without going into too much detail, it was very difficult. We knew we had to get out of that country.\"

Priestman, along with assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joey Lombardi, received one-year suspensions from FIFA following a complaint filed by New Zealand's Olympic Committee with the International Olympic Committee's integrity unit. The complaint alleged drones were flown over pre-tournament practice sessions. All three individuals are no longer associated with Canada Soccer.

Reflecting on her ban, Priestman shared, \"There's certain values that I hold and unfortunately, you know, things around me have clouded my judgement. So for me personally, I just want to get back to... I love working with people. I love getting the best out of people. I love being on a football pitch.\"

Priestman has committed to a two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix FC. The 39-year-old has connections to the club through her wife Emma Humphries, a former New Zealand international who serves as the club's academy director. Additionally, Priestman previously led coach development in Wellington around 16 years ago.