Australian soccer player faces under-age sex charge
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Sydney FC and Australian U-20 defender Sebastian Ryall has been suspended by Football Federation Australia after being charged with engaging in a sex act with a 13-year-old girl.
The criminal charge arises out of an incident that took place in January 2008, when Ryall was 18.
The 19-year-old defender has been suspended from participation in football matches in Australia, including the A-League, until September 3. He is also banned from taking part in any national team duties until the case has been determined.
"The matter came to the attention of FFA and his current club on 23 April 2009," the FFA said in a statement.
"The sanction is not imposed on the basis that the player is guilty of the charge that he faces. FFA has not formed a view of the player's guilt or innocence of the charge as this is a matter for the courts."
Ryall, who previously appeared in a Sydney court over the incident, has pleaded not guilty to the charge and his lawyer, Robert Stephen, said he would strenuously defend his innocence.
"Sebastian has pleaded not guilty," Mr Stephen told AAP. "Our case is very strong and the crown case is very weak and the DPP has considered this.
"But, because of the nature of the charge the case has to proceed."
Ryall has seven days to appeal the FFA decision.
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The criminal charge arises out of an incident that took place in January 2008, when Ryall was 18.
The 19-year-old defender has been suspended from participation in football matches in Australia, including the A-League, until September 3. He is also banned from taking part in any national team duties until the case has been determined.
"The matter came to the attention of FFA and his current club on 23 April 2009," the FFA said in a statement.
"The sanction is not imposed on the basis that the player is guilty of the charge that he faces. FFA has not formed a view of the player's guilt or innocence of the charge as this is a matter for the courts."
Ryall, who previously appeared in a Sydney court over the incident, has pleaded not guilty to the charge and his lawyer, Robert Stephen, said he would strenuously defend his innocence.
"Sebastian has pleaded not guilty," Mr Stephen told AAP. "Our case is very strong and the crown case is very weak and the DPP has considered this.
"But, because of the nature of the charge the case has to proceed."
Ryall has seven days to appeal the FFA decision.
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