Systems, together with reigning league champions, Gaborone United, are Botswana’s representatives in the CAF club competitions.
The two were due to start their respective campaigns against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opponents but Systems has since pulled out.
The Alarm Boys announced their decision to pull out soon after the draw, which was conducted in Cairo on Tuesday.
The competitions kick-off on the weekend of September 9. Kaelo ‘Wire’ Kaelo’s charges were due to meet DRC opponents, St Eloi Lupopo while GU were drawn against AS Vita. Reports say Systems opted out citing budgetary constraints.
The club now faces a fine of $3,000 (approximately P35,000) and a ban of two seasons from participating in CAF competitions, according to the continental body’s Confederations Cup regulations. “A national association who registered one or more teams should confirm their engagements to play all the matches of the competition until their elimination.
In case of a withdrawal of a team, its federation shall be responsible for financial and other consequences to be determined by the Organising and Disciplinary Committee of CAF,” reads Regulation XI. Further, the rules state: “A withdrawal reported after the engagement and before the establishment of the fixtures leads to the loss of the engaged club with an imposed fine of $3,000.
“Apart from the financial sanctions mentioned in paragraphs four to nine here above, every club withdrawing from the competition after the establishment of the fixtures will be forbidden from participating in all CAF inter clubs competition for the next two editions following its withdrawal.” No immediate comment could be obtained from the Systems officials.
Systems had earned the right to represent the country in the Confederations Cup after reaching the final of the Orange FA Cup where they lost 2-1 to GU. The Reds, who won both the league and the FA Cup, will represent the country in the Champions League.
The Botswana Football Association CEO, Mfolo Mfolo said Systems’ withdrawal means the club will miss an opportunity to “test their strengths against the best in Africa and also for their visibility and marketing. “We understand their position of financial constraint, but they should have known better before they committed to participate,” Mfolo said.
