News

Revision of the World Ranking

Jun 18, 2018

The new formula, the Elo method of calculation adds/subtracts points (as opposed to averaging points) for individual matches to/from a team’s existing point total. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.

Elo ratings have been used in other sports for decades. A modified version of the Elo rating is currently in use for the FIFA Women’s World Ranking.

The SUM version developed specifically for the new FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking was fine- tuned to reflect a number of FIFA’s considerations, including the following:

Adjusting the game weightings to give:
- less importance to friendly matches and more importance to final round competitions, such as the FIFA World Cup Finals
- more importance to knock-out stage matches than group stage matches in final competitions
Excluding losses in knock-out rounds of final competitions from the calculation

The formula for the SUM algorithm is as follows:

P = Pbefore + I * (W – We)

Pbefore: Points before the match

I: importance of match
I= 0.5 Friendly matches played outside of International Match Calendar windows
I= 1.0 Friendly matches played during International Match Calendar windows
I= 1.5 Group phase matches of Nations League competitions
I= 2.5 Play-off and final matches of Nations League competitions
I= 2.5 Qualification matches for Confederations final competitions and for FIFA World Cup final competitions
I= 3.5 Confederation final competition matches up until the QF stage
I= 4.0 Confederation final competition matches from the QF stage onwards; all FIFA Confederations Cup matches
I= 5.0 FIFA World Cup final competition matches up until QF stage
I= 6.0 FIFA World Cup final competition matches from QF stage onwards

W: result of the match
1 = win; 0.5 = draw; 0 = defeat

We: expected result of the match
We = 1 / (10(-dr/600) + 1), with dr=difference in ratings of the two playing teams, i.e. dr = [Pbefore of Team A – Pbefore of Team B]

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Botswana and Algeria Strengthen Sports Ties, with Football Development in Focus

Francistown, Botswana – The Honourable Minister of Sport & Arts, Mr. Jacob Kelebeng, recently welcomed a courtesy visit from Honourable Walid Sadi, Algeria’s Minister of Youth & Sports, along with His Excellency Ambassador Abdelmalek Tigharhar of Algeria.

The discussions centered on fostering collaboration between the two nations in sports development, with particular emphasis on Paralympics, football, boxing, and athletics. This engagement presents valuable opportunities for Botswana to benefit from Algeria’s advanced sporting infrastructure, training programs, and technical expertise.

As part of the visit, Honourable Sadi also met with BFA President Mr. Tariq Babitseng, alongside Minister Kelebeng. Discussions highlighted Algeria’s well-established football development structures, coaching programs, and talent identification pathways, which could serve as a benchmark for Botswana’s football growth strategy.

BFA President Emphasizes Football Development

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, BFA President Mr. Tariq Babitseng expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that Botswana stands to gain valuable insights from Algeria’s football model.

“Football development remains a key priority for the BFA, and this engagement allows us to benchmark against one of Africa’s leading football nations. Algeria’s structured approach to grassroots football, coaching development, and high-performance training presents a great learning opportunity for Botswana. We are excited about the potential collaborations that will enhance our football structures and elevate the sport in the country,” said Babitseng.

The Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Ms. Nancy Chengeta of the Ministry of Sport & Arts (MOSA), along with key sports leadership figures, including:

✅ BNSC Chairperson: Mr. Marumo Morule

✅ BNSC CEO: Mr. Tuelo D. Serufho

✅ BNSC Executive Management

✅ Botswana Football Association (BFA) Executives

✅ Various dignitaries and stakeholders

The BFA remains committed to building strategic international partnerships that contribute to the growth, professionalization, and long-term sustainability of football in Botswana.