Parents of junior footballers stranded in Europe could lay criminal complaint, says expert
Now that all 34 children and 4 coaches have arrived home, some parents will be considering legal steps.
The team and their coaches were stranded for a week after their return tickets were never booked. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - A legal expert said parents of the junior footballers who were stranded in Europe do have grounds to lay a criminal complaint against BT Football Academy.
Now that all 34 children and 4 coaches have arrived home, some parents will be considering legal steps.
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The academy may be in violation of the Child Justice Act if it’s found that the children were not properly taken care of while abroad.
Some parents of the young footballers have indicated that when their children are home safe, they will head to a police station to lay charges against BT Football Academy.
Criminal law expert William Booth has told EWN that, in his view, parents have grounds to ask police to investigate the matter.
While a few parents are considering this, one parent who spoke on condition of anonymity said he isn’t considering taking legal action.
“No, I don't think it will yield anything. It's not important for me; it's not necessary, but the bulk of the community, I know, they want to do that.”
He added that he doesn't think Brandon Timmy, the owner of the academy, stole the money, but thinks he was careless and negligent.