The BNSC also warned the football association that it will intervene to save the image of the game if it fails to commit itself in getting to the bottom of the matter.
This follows an audio clip that was circulated on social media platforms, purporting to be a telephone conversation between a top local referee and a BFA official.
Following the leak, the BFA issued a statement saying they were investigating the matter and will take appropriate action if the allegation turns out to be true. Now the BNSC is on the BFA’s neck and has given the football body 48 hours to report on the actions they have taken. The Commission also demands to see the planned course of action with timelines as well as how the association intends to remedy and protect the game of football in the present and into the future against disrepute.
According to a letter written to the BFA secretariat by BNSC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho, the circulating clip has soiled the integrity of football, which could scare away potential and current sponsors. The BNSC through the letter also expresses concern that the issue compromises the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 bid.
Namibia, which had previously committed to partnering with Botswana for a joint bid, pulled out this week citing budgetary constraints. “Kindly note that should in the opinion of the BNSC, feel that the BFA is not agile in treating this matter as a crisis and accord it the urgent attention it deserves, the commission will take necessary steps to protect the integrity of the game of football and Botswana sports,” Serufho said in the letter.
