JFF denounces involvement of Busby in ‘Football is Freedom’ clinic

JAMAICA FOOTBALL Federation (JFF) general secretary, Dalton Wint, said the federation denounces the involvement of former national women’s coach, Hubert Busby, in a local female football clinic recently.

The ‘Football is Freedom’ clinic, which was put on by the Marley Foundation, the main sponsor of the Reggae Girlz, at Winchester Park last weekend, had Busby as one of the coaches for the day, along with other national technical personnel such as Xavier Gilbert, Tashawna Vincent and Alicia James.

However, Wint declared that the JFF knew nothing of the clinic and would not condone Busby’s involvement in any local football activity, while he is still being investigated by FIFA on allegations of sexual misconduct.

Busby was accused by former player Malloree Enoch, while she was a Vancouver Whitecaps player in 2010 and 2011, of sexual impropriety.

When the allegations came to light in October last year, he was first suspended and eventually replaced as head coach of the Reggae Girlz.

Wint first declared that. “I do not know of Mr Busby at any camp. We (JFF) did not invite Mr Busby to any camp,” he said.

A VIOLATION

However, upon learning that the camp was hosted by the women’s national team main sponsor, he said: “That is not supported by the JFF. It is a violation because he is under investigation and he was removed [from national duties] until all investigations are completed. So this is not something we condone and it should not happen again.”

Wint said the JFF will be launching an immediate investigation into the matter, however, he could not say if there would be any repercussions.

“His investigation is ongoing. The JFF knew nothing about this so they [other coaches] must be acting as individuals. But, now that it has been brought to our attention, we will be investigating and see where we go from there.

“But it is something that we do not condone and we will have our own investigation on the matter,” he said.

Attempts to get a response from the Marley Foundation were unsuccessful.

However, when contacted, Busby said he would not speak without consent from his lawyer.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

See related story on Freedom Clinic on B3