The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has suspended its chief executive officer, Mooketsi Tosh Kgotlele over 'disturbing incidences' following the national team's trip to China last week. BFA president, David Fani issued a media statement yesterday afternoon announcing the indefinite suspension of Kgotlele.

Fani said the BFA convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to receive a report concerning the match between the Zebras and China played on Independence Day. "The report given to the National Executive Committee indicated that, during the organisation of the match, certain incidents took place which were not in line with competition and fair play and which were not in the interests of the game of football in Botswana, the senior national team, or the Botswana Football Association," Fani said.

He added that the BFA took a serious view of the allegations raised and subsequently agreed to institute an investigation to determine their accuracy. "The National Executive Committee took the view that this was necessary in order to protect the reputation and image of the game of football in Botswana.

The National Executive Committee decided that, pending the investigation and possible disciplinary action arising there from, the BFA chief executive officer, Mooketsi Kgotlele be suspended from duty with immediate effect," Fani said.

He added that BFA technical director, Losika Keatlholetswe will act in place of Kgotlele.Fani said the events surrounding the China trip will be fully investigated and necessary steps taken. He told Mmegi Sports that BFA will move expeditiously to address the issue.

He refused to disclose the nature of the allegations that led to the suspension of Kgotlele. "I am not in a position to divulge details regarding the allegations. We will move quickly to get to the bottom of the matter and the outcome will be communicated to the public," Fani said. Efforts to get a comment from Kgotlele were futile at press time as his phone rang unanswered.

Sources close to the developments said Kgotlele was suspended after authorising the Zebras' trip to China despite opposition from some BFA officials. It is said the BFA was unanimous that the trip should be abandoned but it went ahead after Kgotlele reportedly secured funding for the Zebras. The trip ended in a 4-1 thrashing of the Zebras by China.Clubs are already seething about the trip because it disrupted the Premier League fixtures.