TAFIC challenges BFA’s decision
FRANCISTOWN: Relegated TAFIC has launched an official protest challenging the Botswana Football Association’s (BFA) decision to declare the season complete.
TAFIC chairperson, Carlos Sebina wrote to BFA chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo arguing the decision was unjust.
“As (a) Premier League club prejudiced by the NEC decision, we object the legality, propriety and/or fairness of the said resolution,” Sebina said in the letter.
TAFIC’s argument is that the season was less than 70% complete when it was declared so. Teams were left with 10 games to play when the BFA took the decision.
Sebina said while the club understands the impact of COVID-19, it was key to complete the league when the situation allowed.
“We argue that the correct position is to allow not only the reasonable and acceptable percentage of games to have been played, but rather that the teams be allowed to compete on the field of play as and when the situation becomes tenable for the league to resume,” Sebina said.
The other suggestion is that the season should have been declared null and void. BFA spokesperson, Tumo Mpatane confirmed receipt of the letter.
“The letter will be given to the relevant structure within the association to deal with it.
I cannot disclose the contents of the letter apart from just saying that it is a complaint against the decision to end the league with 10 games remaining,” Mpatane said.
Early this month the association took a decision to end the season arguing that it would be costly for teams to play in line with guidelines meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The figure for the completion of the league was put at P300 million by the association’s medical committee.
The decision to end the season abruptly meant TAFIC, Miscellaneous and Molepolole City Stars were relegated. Jwaneng Galaxy were declared champions.
Miscellaneous spokesperson, Edwin Tau said the committee had not met to take a decision on the matter, while City Stars owner, Sommerset Gobuiwang refused to comment.