Bermuda Football Association were aware of the possibility that national team footballer Shaki Crockwell could have been on the US stop list for a previous run in with the law in Bermuda.

Yet combined efforts by all of those concerned to have this substantiated by US Immigration failed. Crockwell was subsequently denied entry into the US at the Bermuda International Airport during the national team’s departure for the Digicel Cup Tournament in Barbados last Friday.

“During the last few days prior to departure, all concerned were made aware that it might be possible that Shaki would be on the US Immigration Stop List. However, all attempts to determine if this was the case failed,” said a BFA press statement.

“In fact, attempts by BFA officials, as well as Shaki, to get a definitive answer were met with instructions to apply for a waiver and only then would a definitive answer be provided.”

However, the process of obtaining waivers “could take up to a few months”, according to US Immigration officials, the statement said. “This process could take a few months and certainly not before the team was due to depart,” the BFA press statement continued. “In the meantime team officials discussed the entire situation with Shaki and were committed to his place in the team providing that he cleared US Immigration at the airport.

“The Bermuda FA was aware of Shaki’s previous indiscretions with the law and also recognised that he had fulfilled his commitment to that matter according to the Bermuda court’s decisions.

“On this basis, the National Team Coaches, who were satisfied with his performances for his club, the Boulevard Blazers, and during national team training, selected him for the tournament.

“It is important to underscore that the Bermuda FA is committed to giving our players the chance to represent Bermuda proving they undertake to abide by certain standards.

“We understand and accept that some players, as in this instance, had ‘fallen afoul’ of the law in the past. So we have embraced these players only if they are committed to abiding by the standards expected of a national team player.

“Whilst it is unfortunate that Shaki was unable to travel with the team on this occasion, it is hoped that his personal situation can be resolved in order that he may continue to work hard to prove himself a worthy national team player.

“Additionally, we advise all future and current national team players to be cognisant of the fact that any infringements of the Bermuda law may be held against them by the US Immigration Department.

“All Bermudians are bound by the entry requirements of our North American neighbours via which we have to use as a transit hub to travel at the most affordable rates. The BFA and the Football Family wish to make it clear to Shaki and to others in similar positions to continue to strive to become productive citizens of our country. We know that football has played a tremendous role in the development of Shaki and countless others, and will continue to do so.

“We stand by Shaki in every effort to improve his life and circumstances. The failure is not in falling but not being able to get back up. Shaki has gotten back up. We are proud that he has made the team and we know that his heart and soul is with the team in Barbados, even though he may be in Bermuda.”

[bul] Due to an editing error, a story in Saturday’s newspaper incorrectly stated that Crockwell was on the Stop List due to a run-in with the law in the US. In fact, it related to an offence committed in Bermuda.