23 Jun 2014

Botswana faces possible suspension from FIFA unless Botswana Football Association (BFA) and government reach an agreement before September 22 over the management of constituency football games.

This comes after FIFA visited Botswana on a fact finding mission following controversies surrounding the constituency games which are run by the government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture. BFA president, Tebogo Sebego told the media  that they received a letter from the world football governing body stating their findings and recommendations.

During their visit to Botswana, FIFA officials held discussions with BFA, the sports minister and senior government officials on advantages and disadvantages and the effects of constituency football games on mainstream football.

In its letter, FIFA states that they have realised that constituency games operate outside BFA perimeters and they are also causing severe damage to BFA sanctioned competition and football in general in violation of FIFA statutes.

Sebego said constituency games must now be brought under BFA structures and said he was happy as they also have time to engage with the government before the deadline. The matter will be referred to FIFA Committee where if it is not solved, a decision might be made to suspend Botswana from FIFA.

Suspension means the Zebras will not participate in all FIFA sanctioned games such as the World Cup and African Nations Cup, no club will be able to represent Botswana in the champions or league cups. Sebego further said this will also mean a drying up of financial assistance from the mother body and they would not be able to attend FIFA conferences.

Botswana is to host the COSAFA games and this might be negatively affected by FIFA decision. 
He said compliance does not mean ending the constituency tournaments  but structural adjustments aligned to FIFA.

Constituency games have been a source of controversy ever since they started, with numerous teams especially in the lower divisions complaining of losing players as they could not afford to pay them. However, others have argued the games offer youths an opportune time to engage on useful activities and can be a source for raw talent.

Sebego said he welcomes the latest development as although they have engaged government over the matter numerous times, an agreement was never reached. He said they have a cordial relationship with the government which offers them sponsorship through Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC).

Private Secretary to the acting Minister of Sports Youth Culture, Thobo Tlhasana said the minister is still to meet with the BFA on the matter. The director of Sports and Recreation Falcon Sedimo has said the letter from FIFA has been copied to the ministry. However, FIFA does not deal directly with government but member associations. ENDS