BFA snubs Rakgare over BFL crisis

Staff Writer | Wednesday January 10, 2024 14:36

In a statement, the ministry indicated it had made efforts, through Rakgare's directive, to gather more information on the crisis that threatens football activities. But the mother body, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) snubbed a meeting called by the minister, which has left the government fuming. The minister had asked the BNSC to convene the meeting, but the BFA chose not to honour the invitation, arguing this would amount to government interference contrary to FIFA statutes. "Unfortunately, the BFA declared themselves unavailable, citing, among others, some sections of the FIFA Statutes that they interpreted to be proscribing any interactions that could be viewed somewhat as external interference. They also expressed the view that there exist internal structures for resolving grievances and disputes arising within football as an organised and regulated sporting activity under the purview of FIFA," the ministry said through the statement released today.

"In this regard, BFA stressed its great confidence on the capacity of such structures and processes to settle the current controversy in the best interests of all parties affected. Therefore, the BFA Executive Committee’s response urged for the exercise of trust and patience in the capacity of the due process of the internal dispute resolution mechanisms to bear fruit," the statement further reads. The ministry said it was never Rakgare's intention to interfere in football activities, but said the government has a role to ensure that state resources are fully accounted for. The government, through the BNSC, gives the BFA an annual grant. "For now, the Ministry would not want to believe that any of the structures that are beneficiaries of the “social contract” between the Government and the citizens only want to account when it suits them. The sovereignty and obligations of the State should not be trifled with," the ministry said.

"Had the meeting succeeded, government would probably have been brought to speed on several important matters that could possibly guide the Minister as a principal agent of the state to give a more informed advice. Government, through the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture will, in the next few days, summon the BNSC to discuss a way forward in dealing with a matter where an affiliate of theirs funded by Government chooses how they should relate with the same government."