Top referee faces sexual misconduct charges
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 18, 2026 06:00
He was brought before the committee by fellow match official Lesang Tooto, one of Botswana’s emerging female referees, who accused him of harassment.
According to the documents, the DC, after reviewing evidence, witness testimonies and supporting material, has provisionally charged Gobagoba.
He has since been slapped with charges of sexual harassment and gender-based misconduct, abuse of position and authority, conduct bringing the game into disrepute, and failure to act on internal complaints.
Gobagoba is alleged to have engaged in conduct amounting to sexual harassment between 2016 and 2025, including persistent verbal and emotional harassment.
He singled out the complainant for negative treatment, making demeaning gender-based remarks, and retaliatory behaviour after she allegedly rejected his romantic advances.
The DC has further found that these actions may constitute breaches of the BFA Code of Conduct on respect for persons and sexual harassment, as well as the FIFA Code of Ethics relating to the protection of physical and mental integrity.
He is also accused of abusing his position as chairperson of the Kweneng Regional Football Association by allegedly attempting to coerce Tooto into a romantic relationship in exchange for career advancement, making unfounded allegations of misconduct and match-fixing, and threatening her career progression following the rejection of his advances.
The committee further alleges that Gobagoba brought the game into disrepute by failing to uphold expected ethical standards within football leadership, allowing personal interests to interfere with professional responsibilities, and causing distress to a fellow official whilst mishandling internal processes.
He is also accused of failing to act on internal complaints by not addressing or halting the alleged conduct despite prior reports being raised.
If found guilty, Gobagoba faces sanctions that could include a ban of up to 10 years, which may be extended to a lifetime ban depending on the severity of the findings.
Under the FIFA Code of Ethics, sexual harassment and abuse-related offences can attract bans of up to 10 years, whilst severe cases may result in lifetime prohibition from all football-related activity.
Sanctions for abuse of position may include suspension, removal from officiating and administrative duties, financial penalties, and demotion or deregistration from elite refereeing structures.
Gobagoba is reportedly suspended following the allegations.
Referees manager, Jonty Rasetshoga, redirected MmegiSport enquiries to BFA chief operations officer, Kago Mosinyi who said the case is being handled judicial bodies.
Meanwhile, MmegiSport understands that referees in the country are also raising concerns over unpaid allowances stretching over several months, adding to growing tension within officiating structures.
Regarding referees payments, Mosinyi acknowledged that the referees are owed but the association is working towards clearing the areas. 'Yes, there are arrears but we do pay them periodically,' Mosinyi said.