Soccer club releases statement after former director charged with sexual assault

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A Calgary man charged with a series of sexual assaults was well known in the local soccer community.

Bogdan Botezatu was formerly the Director of Soccer Operations with MSB United, a soccer club in north-central Calgary.

A letter posted on the organization’s website says the club was deeply disturbed to hear about the allegations but they have no reason to believe anyone with the organization was victimized.

“Effective immediately, Bogdan Botezatu will not be involved with the club in any capacity while this matter is being investigated,” the letter reads. “The safety of our players, coaches and management is our number one priority.”

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The letter goes on to say that the Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA) and MSB United have coach and manager screening requirements in place such as completing the Respect in Sport module and performing an Electronic Police Information Check to ensure safety measures are taken to protect all players, volunteers and members of the club.

On Tuesday, Botezatu was charged with three counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual interference with a person under the age of 16.

Police believe the assaults took place in November 2020 and from January to February 2021 in West Hillhurst, Thorncliffe and Huntington Hills.

Botezatu is expected to appear in court on the charges in March.