THE FINAL WHISTLE

BT Academy has closed its doors with immediate effect.

BT Academy came under fire after a group comprising under-14, under-19, and girls’ soccer teams was left stranded in Spain when return flights were not booked, despite each participant paying R50,000 for what was supposed to be an all-expenses-paid trip to the Donosti Cup 2025.

The group of coaches, who had been praised for both their performance at the tournament and their support of the stranded players, also resigned last week.

Announcing the club’s closure, BT Academy chairperson, Brandon Timmy says "a serious mistake" was made on his part in booking the return tickets.

So far, two parents have approached local police with fraud complaints, alleging that they paid the full amount for the trip but were never refunded for the unbooked return flights.

Police yesterday confirmed despite the closure of the academy’s doors, two investigations were still ongoing. 

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said “Be advised that two cases of fraud have been opened for investigation at Grassy Park SAPS.

"One will be investigated at Grassy Park SAPS and one will be transferred to Wynberg (incident happened in their policing precinct) for further investigation. No arrest yet, investigations continue."

In an emotional statement, Timmy said this was not the ending they had envisioned, but he was taking full responsibility for what had happened.

“It is with a heavy and deeply burdened heart that I write to inform you of the immediate closure of BT Football Academy.

"A serious mistake was made on my part regarding the travel arrangements for our teams participating in the Donosti Cup.

"Specifically, I failed to secure the necessary return flights for the players back to South Africa. This has resulted in significant distress for the affected families, and I take full responsibility. I cannot express enough how sorry I am for the pain and disruption this has caused. I humbly and sincerely ask for your forgiveness."

He said the financial impact of the incident had been severe and made it impossible for the academy to continue operating. 

He added: “To our coaches, both past and present, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your dedication to developing our players both on and off the pitch.

"Your tireless work has helped shape not only athletes, but individuals of strong character and discipline.

"To the parents, thank you for your unwavering support through both the highs and lows. Your belief in our mission gave us strength, and your trust in us was never taken for granted, And to our players, you are and always will be the soul of BT Football Academy.

"We believe in your futures and your potential. May you go forward with confidence and courage, achieving all that God has predestined for your lives."