Bev Priestman is one win away from securing her first piece of silverware as head coach of New Zealand's women's national team, less than a year after a damaging suspension sidelined her career. The Canadian manager was banned by FIFA for her role in a drone spying operation that embarrassed Canada Soccer during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, she has quietly rebuilt her reputation in a new country, guiding the Football Ferns to the brink of a trophy.
Priestman's fall from grace was dramatic. She led Canada to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, cementing her status as one of the top coaches in the women's game. But everything unraveled in Paris when staff members were caught using a drone to film New Zealand's training sessions. The resulting scandal led to a one-year ban for Priestman from all football activities, a massive fine for Canada Soccer, and a six-point deduction for the team in the Olympic tournament. Many questioned whether she would ever coach at the highest level again.
The ban forced Priestman to step away from the sport entirely. She remained largely out of the public eye, avoiding interviews and letting the controversy fade. For months, her future in coaching seemed uncertain. Then, in early 2025, an unexpected opportunity emerged. New Zealand, looking for a fresh direction after their own disappointing Olympic run, reached out to Priestman. Despite her tarnished reputation, they saw a coach with proven success and a point to prove.
Priestman accepted the role quietly, with little fanfare. She arrived in New Zealand and immediately began working to win over players and fans still wary of the drone scandal. Her initial months were focused on building trust and implementing her tactical philosophy. Results were mixed at first, but slowly the Ferns started to find their rhythm. A string of promising performances in friendlies and regional competitions hinted at a team on the rise.
Now, that steady progress has culminated in a shot at silverware. Details of the specific trophy are not disclosed in reports, but sources indicate Priestman's side has advanced to a tournament final or play-off that will determine a champion. The achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for a coach who just months ago was banned from the game. While the trophy may not carry the weight of an Olympic gold, it would represent a significant personal milestone and a step toward rehabilitation.
The drone scandal continues to haunt Canadian soccer, but Priestman has distanced herself from that chapter. She has not commented publicly on the incident since her ban, focusing instead on her new team's success. New Zealand's football community has largely embraced her, with players praising her tactical acumen and leadership. A victory in the upcoming match would not only silence critics but also confirm that Priestman still has a future at the top of the women's game.
For now, the focus remains on the result. Priestman is 90 minutes—or perhaps 120—away from etching her name into New Zealand football history. The journey has been far from straightforward, but she has quietly steered the Ferns to the brink of glory.
Based on reporting from ESPN.