Bev Priestman returns to football in New Zealand

• Bev Priestman has signed a contract with Wellington Phoenix.
• The coach was suspended due to a doping scandal at the Olympics.
• Priestman has extensive experience in international football.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The coach of the Canadian national team, who was suspended for participating in a doping scandal at the Olympic Games in Paris, has taken a new position. Bev Priestman has signed a two-year contract with the Wellington Phoenix, the only professional women's team in New Zealand.

Priestman recently completed a year-long suspension from football. She was banned following an investigation by FIFA, which revealed that she, along with other coaches, used doping methods with the women's national team of New Zealand before Canada's first match at the Olympics.

After this, Priestman was released from her position as coach of the Canadian national team. "We are very happy to bring Bev back into football," said Phoenix head Rob Morrison. "We know that she had a period of absence from the game, but we believe she will adapt and feel comfortable in this environment."

Priestman previously helped Canada win gold at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and has worked in four women's world championships. She also has experience working in New Zealand, where she was involved in developing coaches in Wellington.

In her statement, Priestman thanked the club for the opportunity to return to the game. "Wellington Phoenix is a fantastic club with great ambition, world-class conditions, and a phenomenal fan base," she said. The coach aims to achieve success in the Australian women's championship A-League Women.

Tags: Sport/Football