The Botswana government has dismissed a viral social media post claiming that Arsenal supporters in the country had been granted a public holiday to celebrate the club’s Premier League success.
The false claim circulated widely online before the government moved quickly to shut it down through its official social media accounts.
In a strongly worded response posted on its verified Facebook and X pages, the government declared: “NO, THERE IS NO HOLIDAY FOR ARSENAL FANS.”
The post also featured a large red “FAKE” stamp placed across the fabricated government notice.
Fake statement uses official Botswana branding
The fake document, dated 17 May, 2026, appeared convincing at first glance because it carried what looked like official Botswana government branding.
The statement falsely claimed that President Duma Gideon Boko had approved a special holiday for Arsenal fans.
According to the fabricated notice, supporters were allegedly being given Wednesday, 20 May , off from work to celebrate Arsenal’s league triumph.
The fake statement further encouraged Arsenal fans across Botswana to use the day to mark what it described as the club’s “well-earned” success.
Botswana government warns against misinformation
Authorities quickly distanced themselves from the circulating document and warned members of the public against spreading false information online.
The government’s response aimed to stop further confusion as the post gained traction across social media platforms.
The humorous nature of the fake announcement attracted widespread attention, with thousands of users reacting, commenting and sharing the post.
Why some people in Botswana believed the claim
Some social media users initially found the statement believable because Botswana has previously declared special holidays to celebrate major sporting achievements.
The country declared a public holiday after Botswana’s historic men’s 4x400m relay team won gold at the World Athletics Championships.
Botswana also announced a half-day holiday after sprinter Letsile Tebogo won Olympic gold in the 200m at the 2024 Paris Games.
Those past celebrations may have helped fuel speculation around the fake Arsenal holiday notice.
Football rivalries dominate social media
Football rivalries involving English Premier League clubs continue to dominate online conversations across Africa, where millions passionately support teams such as Arsenal F.C., Manchester United F.C., Chelsea F.C. and Liverpool F.C..
The fake Botswana holiday announcement became the latest example of how football banter and online humour can quickly spread across social media platforms, especially when tied to popular clubs with huge African fan bases.
