The BFA wishes to correct the recent statements made in a local newspaper article in the Sunday Standard of April 21 – 27, 2019 regarding the nature of funds that have been received by the BFA and by the President of the BFA, Mr Maclean Letshwiti.

The BFA categorically refutes the allegations of impropriety made in the said newspaper which are clearly made maliciously, with the intent to defame. The funds that the newspaper article refers to, are funds that are made available to all CAF affiliated countries on an annual basis. It would have been a relatively easy exercise for the newspaper in question to ascertain this.

At its meeting held on the May 8^th, 2017 in Manama Bahrain, the CAF Executive Committee resolved to approve a yearly grant of US $100,000 to each Member Association.

These grants are awarded to CAF affiliates annually and are intended to assist all associations with fulfilling their financial obligations in furtherance of the development of the sport. CAF regulates how these funds are utilised.

A circular from CAF dated June 8^th, 2017 directed that a yearly grant of

$100 000.00 shall be made available to each member association and shall be allocated as follows:

1. 20% equivalent to $20, 000.00 as compensatory allowances for the President of the Federation;
2. 50% equivalent to $50, 000.00 for supporting youth football; and
3. 30% equivalent $30, 000.00 for the support of match officials’ indemnities

Therefore, contrary to the allegations made in the newspaper article, the funds received were not a bribe from the CAF President to buy the BFA President’s loyalty. The funds were paid lawfully, to all affiliates of CAF and their respective Presidents, pursuant to a resolution of CAF as aforesaid.

It is false that the BFA President has received any funds directly into his personal account from CAF. The insinuation that this was a bribe to buy loyalty, is therefore rejected.

The BFA also wishes to reiterate that there is no sinister intention behind the payment received from CAF and that these payments are made to all CAF affiliated countries and their Presidents.  A resolution to pay the Presidents was passed by CAF in recognition of the time commitment expended by the Presidents of the respective associations in CAF assignments.

Since taking over the BFA in 2016, the current executive committee of the BFA has been totally transparent as evidenced by the approved audited financial statements which were presented to the general membership on 11^th August 2017 and 26^th October 2018.

The transparency of the BFA ensures that all funds generated whether from grants or sponsors, are utilised and are accurately accounted for in our books of accounts. All funds received by the BFA, are utilised in the best possible manner to promote the development of football in our country. The country can rest assured that the future of football in Botswana is in safe hands.

The BFA will be seeking legal advice on the highly defamatory article, made of and concerning the BFA and its President.