DC throws out BFL’s case against Ratlhaga

Ratlhaga faced a single count of misconduct from the Botswana Football League (BFL). However, after hearing the case last month, the BPL DC concluded that proper procedure had not been followed. Ratlhaga's lawyer, Moitshepi Jones, in his argument, had stated that the matter had been "incompetently preferred and by a disentitled person or authority". Jones had argued that Article 44.3 in the BFL constitution had not been followed. Article 44.3 states: "An aggrieved party may refer any alleged breach of the code of ethics in writing to the chairperson of the league, who may refer the matter to either the Disciplinary Committee or the BFA Ethics." Moitshepi had argued that there was no complaint in this instance.

“He submitted that an expectation was that there would be a complaint, which would trigger an investigation. The respondent submitted that there was no evidence presented that indicated that the procedure had been followed and therefore, the only conclusion to be drawn was that the procedure was not followed,” reads the judgment dated June 27. Onneile Kealotswe chaired the BPL DC, while Leviet Ntwaagae and Gerald Mahumba were the other members on the panel. In their ruling, the committee said the matter had been dismissed "on account of being improperly brought before the Disciplinary Committee".