The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has expressed surprise at their continued citing by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in the Ofentse Nato case, which is before them (CAS). In what is now a never ending saga of the 2015/16 Premier League season, the BFA, along with its structure, the Botswana Premier League (BPL) and Gilport Lions, were dragged before the CAS by Township Rollers after the BFA National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) ruled that Nato is a defaulter. The ruling saw Rollers forfeit some crucial points to Lions, Chiefs and Miscellaneous, something which denied the team a chance to win the league outright. While the BFA was initially not cited as part of the proceedings, Rollers is said to have dragged them into the matter as local football’s governing body.
Speaking in an interview, BFA Chief Executive Officer Kitso Kemoeng said the association is perplexed at the CAS’ decision to continue involving them despite their continued correspondence to the CAS that they do not want to be cited in the case. “We do not know what is happening here because as the BFA, we have from the onset made our stance known to CAS that we do not want to be part of the proceedings in the matter. To our surprise, we continue to receive correspondence from the CAS as respondents in the matter,” the BFA CEO explained.
Kemoeng further explained that the latest correspondence from CAS to the BFA arrived this past Monday. He could however not be drawn to discuss the contents of the correspondence with CAS, saying they do not want to be in contempt of court. In the latest correspondents, CAS is said to have given all parties involved in the matter some letters relating to the amounts they will have to pay as they prepare for the hearing of the case to start. In response, the BFA is alleged to have once again reiterated their stance to CAS that they do not want to be part of the proceedings. The BFA CEO however said though the BFA does not want to be involved, they will however comply with the orders of CAS. According to Kemoeng, just as the BFA and its structures have complied with orders of the local Disciplinary Committees, like the BPL DC and the BFA DC, they will comply with the CAS ruling whichever way it may come.
“If CAS makes a ruling, everyone will comply. When a court gives an order, whether you like it or not, you will have to comply,” the BFA CEO said. Meanwhile, despite the impending CAS case, both Rollers and Chiefs will face off in the beMobile Premier League playoff, which will be played this afternoon (Wednesday) at the National Stadium at 1500hrs. The winner of the game will be crowned league champions.
