Editor’s note: This story previously identified Bogdan Botezatu as a coach with MSB United Soccer Club, however the club has since clarified he was an independent contractor overseeing and developing the academy program.
A Calgary soccer club director has been charged with sexually assaulting three teens — two under the age of 16 and one under 18 — in three incidents dating back to November of last year.
According to police, the three young girls all reported being approached from behind by a stranger and touched sexually.
The girls were in the areas of West Hillhurst, Thorncliffe and Huntington Hills when they were groped, police said. The incidents happened in November, January and as recently as this month.
Police said a lengthy investigation led to the arrest of 34-year-old Bogdan Botezatu on Friday.
He’s been charged with three counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual interference with someone younger than 16, and one count of wearing a disguise while committing a crime.
Calgary-based MSB United Soccer Club said it was “deeply disturbed” to hear the organization’s director of soccer operations had been charged.
“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,” the soccer club said in a statement on its website.
“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.”
MSB United said both it and the Calgary Minor Soccer Association have manager screening protocols in place, in addition to background checks, “to ensure that safety measures are taken to protect all players, volunteers and members of our club.”
The club said Botezatu has been with the organization for less than eight months, and that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of his interactions with players was through virtual training sessions.
Botezatu is scheduled to appear in court on March 1.
Anyone with information about this incidents is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or to contact Crime Stoppers.
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