MLS investigate allegations against ex-Vancouver Whitecaps coach Hubert Busby Jr.
Major League Soccer has announced the launch of an investigation into the Vancouver Whitecaps’ handling of sexual misconduct allegations against former women’s coach Hubert Bubsy Jr.
The Whitecaps women’s side competed in the USL W-League until it was dissolved in 2012.
An MLS statement read: "The investigation will include a review of the club's internal processes and overall culture at the time as well as recommendations on preventative measures to ensure that all players and staff under the Whitecaps organization umbrella work in a safe environment, free of all forms of harassment and fear of retaliation.
"The league and club will publicly release the findings and recommendations of the investigation."
US player Malloree Enoch recently detailed the allegations of inappropriate behavior by Busby in an interview with The Guardian, explaining the incidents occurred between 2010 and 2011.
Enoch claimed the former head coach promised to sign her as a player to the Vancouver Whitecaps women’s team before forcing her to room with him on trips and pressuring her for sex.
The player said she shared her concerns with Dan Lenarduzzi, the team's soccer development director, but no action was taken immediately. A group of players from the Whitecaps women’s side then attempted to voice their concerns about Busby again, but were met with disappointment.
Busby left the team when his contract expired in October 2011. Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster now revealed his departure was triggered by the results of an independent investigation into the matter, but apologized for the overall mishandling of the situation.
"We have since learned that the investigation did not reveal certain allegations that were disclosed this week. Our communication with players, staff and the soccer community as to the reasons for Busby's departure was also inadequate. We should have done better, and for that we are deeply sorry," he said in a statement.
After his departure from the Canadian team, Busby remained active in the sport. In January 2020, Busby was appointed head coach of the Jamaica women’s team after serving as an assistant coach.
The Jamaican Football Federation are aware of the allegations and will meet with the head coach on Tuesday.
This is not the first set of allegations made against a former manager of the Vancouver Whitecaps team. In a blog post written in 2019, a former player detailed an incident of abuse from 2008 by then manager Bob Birarda.
Birarda was charged in December 2020 for six counts of sexual exploitation, two counts of sexual assault and one count of child luring. The allegations cover offenses against four separate people.