The fight between Botswana Football League (BFL) shareholders has escalated to new heights with Botswana Football Association (BFA) now considering taking the matter up with the Court of Arbitration (CAS) in Zurich, Switzerland.
BFA chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo has written a letter to BFL CEO, Senzo Mbatha seeking the league's blessing to refer the matter to CAS. Mfolo said the BFA is left with no choice but to refer the matter to the CAS as the call by the shareholders to halt league matches is in violation of the BFA constitution. The BFA CEO said that they are forced to take the CAS route after a recent meeting to resolve the impasse failed to bear fruit. “In amplification of the foregoing, it is clear that further intervention is required to break the current impasse. In light of this, we suggest an independent adjudication body as recognized by our football prescripts to be tasked to resolve the matter and propose referring the matter to CAS. This avenue is recognized for its impartiality and expertise in handling complex sport related disputes,” Mfolo said.
Mfolo further proposed that in the event the BFL CEO and shareholders accede to the matter being put forward before CAS, all football activities shall return with immediate effect pending the outcome from CAS.
“If all parties are inclined to resolving the current dispute through this proposed channel. It is imperative that we ensure uninterrupted continuation of league activities,” he said.
The urgent communication from BFA to BFL follows a recent released statement by BFL shareholders indicating that all football activities have been suspended. The shareholders have scheduled a meeting for January 20 in Palapye.
