FIFA to clear air on constituency tournaments
| Thursday May 8, 2014 10:08
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) announced this week it expects a FIFA delegation in the country next Tuesday to discuss the tournaments. BFA chief executive officer, Keith Masters said he expects the delegation to clear the air regarding the tournaments. Volleyball and netball are other two disciplines which have publicly voiced their concerns over the tournaments, organised primarily as a recreational activity for unemployed youth. The tournaments have rubbed sports authorities the wrong way because they were introduced against their wishes. Moreover, players have left mainstream competitions to the less glamorous tournaments because of financial rewards.
The BFA argues the competition should be run under its auspices as the mother body.
“They are not under the control of BFA, but FIFA statutes stipulate that the mother body should organise football activities. We have been in discussion with a number of stakeholders over the matter, including the BNSC and regional associations. We have not been able to reach commonality,” Masters said. He said the FIFA delegation is expected to provide clarity on the matter. FIFA once wrote to the Botswana government seeking clarity on the tournaments. Constituency tournaments gained notoriety in 2010 when BFA claimed the country faced FIFA suspension over the competitions.
Then BFA president (then), David Fani said the tournament violated FIFA statutes and therefore the tournaments should be streamlined or dropped. But the BFA made a stunning u-turn claiming a junior officer had written an unauthorised letter to FIFA about the matter. Others alleged the BFA, which is funded by the government, had been arm-twisted to toe the line. However, murmurs of disapproval continued as other codes, netball and volleyball felt the full effect of players exodus to the constituency tournaments. The effect was particularly felt in lower football leagues where players, who are not remunerated left to join the constituency competitions in droves. Now the FIFA delegation, which will be in the country until May 16 will have time to fact find and come up with recommendations. If FIFA deems the tournaments as a violation of its statutes, the country risks suspension. Last year, FIFA wrote to BFA seeking an explanation on the constituency tournaments. The letter came after a visit by FIFA president, Sepp Blatter.