BFA amends constitution
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday August 4, 2015 18:00
FIFA has recently demanded standardised positions for all its member associations, which prompted the BFA to come up with changes in its previous constitution.
In the new constitution, the BFA has created associate membership so as to accommodate partners such as the Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA), Botswana Primary Schools Sports Association (BOPSA), Botswana Tertiary Students’ Sports Association (BOTESSA), Players Union and Social and Recreational football.
In the old constitution, the association only had full members, which are national league clubs, regional associations and women’s football.
Speaking at the BFA general assembly on Saturday, FIFA development officer, Ashford Mamelodi encouraged the delegates to endorse the new changes, as FIFA would not compromise on some of the demands. The creation of associate membership, particularly that of social and recreational membership is expected to address the issue of constituency tournaments.
The negotiations between the government, the BFA and FIFA have been ongoing regarding the issue.
When addressing the assembly, BFA president, Tebogo Sebego said the looming suspension from FIFA is no longer a threat since the matter has been substantially addressed.
The new associate members however will not have voting rights as enjoyed by full members.
The new constitution will also see the composition of the national executive committee changing.
The new executive committee will have the president as well as the first and second vice president.
BFA legal advisor, Onkagetse Pusoentsi said the old arrangement had the vice president administration, vice president finance as well as vice president technical, but FIFA has since rejected that arrangement.
FIFA has also demanded the inclusion of at least one female additional member in the committee.
Meanwhile, the FA Cup will finally return this coming season after years of absence.
The competition has not been taking place ever since Coca-Cola ceased bankrolling it.
“I am happy to report that the FA Cup shall be resuming this year.
“Former vice president finance, Gabriel Ngele is chairing the organising committee and the cup shall be called the President’s Cup,” Sebego told delegates at the assembly.
He said the format for the competitions as well as the fixtures will be announced soon.