Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Mokgweetsi Masisi welcomed the bans from Fifa against Masudi and Epaphras Negumbo
Botswana’s President has welcomed the suspensions imposed on the country’s domestic league by world football’s governing body, Fifa.
An indefinite ban from football, lasting until the country signs a new broadcast deal, has been imposed by Fifa after corruption allegations were made against the chief executive of the Botswana Football Association, Moeti Mohlala.
“We reject all the accusations made by Fifa and we are hopeful the ban will be lifted soon, once the country signs the ‘construction agreement’ that Fifa had demanded from Botswana,” said the President, Mokgweetsi Masisi.
“I am not personally concerned with what we have been accused of and, while I am sure that Fifa will do the right thing in this case, it is important for us to tell the world that banning players and clubs is totally unacceptable, inhumane and demeaning.
“There is a time when individuals need to be responsible, but this is not an appropriate time.”
Two of the country’s top players, Isa Ngeka of Batel and Tjiriko Lougue of Mamelodi Sundowns, have also been banned from their clubs.
Former Botswana international Thabani Mkandawire has also been suspended by Mubaelel Steels, Botswana’s third-tier club, after he allegedly put in an oral offer to take players into his own club.
He is also reportedly being investigated by Thabane Sports Trust for allegations of financial mismanagement and