This was after the local soccer governing body, the Botswana Football Association (BFA), recently released a circular stating that a professional club shall not register a foreign player unless he has three or more caps in any of the national teams. Now the BFA has backtracked following backlash from the football community saying it has also noted a number of reservations expressed as feedback from its stakeholders. “Having noted concerns as expressed by our stakeholders, the BFA has resolved that the new regulations will not be discarded,” the association said in a press statement. “Instead, a process will start in the near future to see what amendments can be made.
In the meantime, for the season 2023-2024, the teams are allowed to proceed as they have always done.” The association added it has a mandate to develop, protect, promote, professionalise and commercialise all aspects of football in the country in line with the FIFA vision. It also says to achieve such a goal, it is important that a robust regulatory framework that governs entry into the upper tier league is set. “As BFA we are of the strong view that the apex league is the window into our national team. Equally important are the lowest leagues. They are very crucial for development and they act as feeders for the apex league,” it said. According to the controversial circular, amateur clubs were to be allowed to register up to 10 senior players and additional 30 development players up to a maximum of 20 years to make a maximum of 40 players at any given time.
The regulations sparked a public debate with many football pundits expressing their concern considering the current status of local football.
