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The Botswana Government has debunked rumours claiming that a public holiday was declared for Arsenal fans in the Southern African country on Wednesday.
Following Arsenal’s historic Premier League title win on Tuesday after a 22-year drought, rumours circulated that Botswana had declared a public holiday for Batswana Arsenal supporters.
A purported statement attributed to the country’s president claimed he had congratulated Arsenal and its supporters and declared Wednesday a public holiday to allow fans to celebrate the victory.
“Accordingly, all Arsenal supporters in Botswana are hereby encouraged to take Wednesday, May 20, 2026, off from work to celebrate Arsenal’s well-deserved Premier League victory,” the statement read in part.
“Heads of public and private institutions are directed to grant Arsenal fans the day off with full understanding and support. Employers are further encouraged to foster a spirit of unity in appreciation of the positive energy that football brings to our nation.”
𝗡𝗢, 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦. pic.twitter.com/xuc9JA8oPd
— Botswana Government (@BWGovernment) May 20, 2026
However, the Botswana Government, in a post shared on X on Wednesday, distanced itself from the statement, describing it as fake.
“No, there is no holiday for Arsenal fans,” the post read.
On Tuesday, Mikel Arteta restored Arsenal to the summit of English football after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions.
The victory marks Arsenal’s 14th English top-flight title and their first since the legendary “Invincibles” side led by Arsène Wenger went unbeaten throughout the 2003/04 campaign.
