MLS Launches Independent Investigation Into Whitecaps Sexual Misconduct Allegations | The Canadian News

Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Friday that it will oversee an independent investigation into the Vancouver Whitecaps’ handling of allegations of misconduct by members of the women’s team against a former coach.

Any current members of the Whitecaps executive team who were involved in matters related to the allegations have been placed on administrative leave, the club confirmed Friday.

The league’s move came a day after former player Maloree Enoch went public with allegations against former head coach Hubert Busby Jr., who said he tried to solicit her for sex while being recruited to the team in 2010 and 2011. .

Global News was unable to reach Busby Jr., but the now head coach of Jamaica’s women’s national team has denied the accusation to the UK. guardian Newspaper.

In a statement, MLS said it was hiring an independent attorney to oversee an investigation of the allegations, including the internal processes and culture of Witecaps at the time.

MLS is committed to making the investigation findings public.

In a statement, Whitecaps FC CEO Axel Schuster said the club was “very concerned” by the allegations.

“The courage it takes to show up cannot be overstated. We respect Malloree’s bravery, appreciate her honesty, and fully support her. We apologize to Malloree for disappointing her, ”said Schuster.

Schuster said Friday that the team had learned of the allegations against Busby at the end of the 2011 season, when it hired an independent ombudsman to investigate, “which ultimately led to Busby’s departure.”

He went on to acknowledge that the investigation “did not reveal certain allegations that were released this week” and that the team’s communication with players, staff and the community was “inadequate.”

“We should have done better, and we are deeply sorry.”

Enoch has alleged that Busby promised to sign her to the Whitecaps women’s team, then repeatedly made her room with him on various trips, eventually trying to pressure her into having sex on one of them.

She alleges that she shared her concerns with Dan Lenarduzzi, the team’s director of soccer development, after signing with the team in 2011, but no immediate action was taken.

A group of players later raised their concerns with management, he said, and Busby Jr.’s contract was not renewed when it expired in October 2011.

The investigation comes two years after explosive allegations of sexual misconduct and intimidation surfaced against another former women’s coach, Bob Birarda.

Birarda is currently facing multiple charges for sexual crimes, including sexual exploitation, sexual assault and attraction of children. None of the accusations have been proven in court.