Calgary soccer club distances itself from coach charged with sexual assault involving minors

Sex assault charges after teens targeted A man has been charged after three teenage girls were approached from behind in separate incidents and touched sexually in the northwest.

CALGARY — Officials with a Calgary soccer club confirm its academy director of soccer operations will have no involvement with the organization as he faces sexual assault charges.

Bogdan Botezatu, 34, was arrested and charged on Feb. 5 following a police investigation into alleged sexual assaults where underage girls were groped in three separate incidents in the communities of West Hillhurst, Thorncliffe and Huntington Hills.

In a letter posted Tuesday, MSB United Soccer Club's board of directors addressed Botezatu's future with the club.

"We are deeply disturbed to learn of the allegations charged against MSB Academy Director of Soccer Operations, Bogdan Botezatu, in the news today. We have no indication or reason to believe that his conduct has impacted any players, Academy trainers, coaches, management or any other members of MSB United.

"Effective immediately, Bogdan Botezatu will not be involved with the club in any capacity while this matter is being investigated. The safety of our players, coaches and management is our number one priority. Both 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 (e-PIC) to ensure that safety measures are taken to protect all players, volunteers and members of our club.

"We thank all our Trainers, Coaches and Team Managers for all that they do and how you all support the development of our children."

The board concluded its letter by encouraging members to reach out to the organization with any questions or concerns.

Calgary West Soccer Club, which said Botezatu was an affliaite coach from the fall of 2017 until March 2020, also issued a statement.

We are aware of allegations charged against a former affiliate of CWSC. We have no indication or reason to believe that his conduct impacted any players, trainers, coaches, management or any other members of Calgary West Soccer Club.

Calgary West adheres to our strict safety and wellbeing policies which can be reviewed here.

Both CMSA and Calgary West Soccer Club have coach and manager screening requirements in place such as completing the Respect in Sport module and performing an Electronic Police Information Check (e-PIC) to ensure that safety measures are taken to protect all players, volunteers and members of our club.

The well-being and safety of our members is our highest priority.

In connection with the three alleged assaults that took place between November 2020 and February, Botezatu has been charged with:

Botezatu is scheduled to appear in court on March 1.