Punters can now place bets on the FNB Premiership games but the Botswana Football League (BFL) has not availed guidelines on betting. The rules and regulations are still being developed but betting is already in full swing. The BFL chief executive, Bennett Mamelodi said the betting regulations will be presented to clubs at the organisation's annual general meeting next month. "We are finalising specific regulations that will address sport betting by players, coaches, and officials. The regulations should be ready for adoption by the BFL Annual General Meeting at the end of June. They shall be made public," Mamelodi said.
However, there are concerns that players and officials could be involved in direct sport betting, contravening FIFA regulations. In order to protect the integrity of football, FIFA developed rules on betting, which address placing bets by all that are bound by FIFA Code of Ethics. This involves all officials, referees, players as well as match agents and intermediaries. The rules bar the aforementioned from "participating in, either directly or indirectly, betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions related to football matches or competitions and/or any related football activities." Further, the concerned individuals should "not have any direct or indirect financial interest (through or in conjunction with third parties) in activities, such as betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions connected with football matches and competitions." Financial interest refers to "gaining any possible advantage for the persons bound by the code themselves and/or related parties." If the individuals are found to be on the wrong side of the rules, they will be subjected to an integrity investigation, "which can lead to a fine of at least CHF 100,000 (about P162,000) and a ban on taking part in any football related activity for a maximum of three years."
