Botswana Government Dismisses Viral Hoax Claiming Public Holiday Declared for Arsenal’s Premier League Title Win

A fake government notice falsely claiming that Botswana’s President, Duma Boko, had declared a public holiday for Arsenal supporters went viral across social media platforms shortly after the Gunners secured the 2025/26 Premier League title on May 20, 2026.

The forged document, designed to resemble an official government communication, urged employers across the country to grant staff the day off on Wednesday so that Botswana’s considerable “Gooner” community could mark Arsenal’s historic championship. The hoax spread rapidly across African social media networks before authorities intervened.

The Botswana Government’s official account responded swiftly with an emphatic all-caps rebuttal: “NO, THERE IS NO HOLIDAY FOR ARSENAL FANS,” accompanied by a copy of the fraudulent document highlighted with red markings to underscore its illegitimacy. The swift and blunt response itself became a viral moment, prompting widespread amusement and a fresh wave of memes from rival supporters across the continent. Batswana Arsenal fans, meanwhile, were left to celebrate at their desks.

Arsenal’s title triumph — their first since the 2003/04 “Invincibles” season — had already generated extraordinary scenes globally before the Botswana episode unfolded. The Gunners were confirmed champions after Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth, a result that triggered immediate celebrations at Arsenal’s training ground, where the squad and coaching staff had gathered to watch the match.

When the final whistle sounded, players broke into chants of “Campeones, Campeones, Ole Ole Ole!” Celebrations then moved to the streets of North London, with hundreds of fans gathering outside the Emirates Stadium alongside players until approximately 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

For manager Mikel Arteta, the title represents the most significant piece of silverware of his managerial career, coming five years after he won the FA Cup with the club. It also ends three consecutive seasons in which Arsenal finished as runners-up in the Premier League — a painful stretch that had tested the patience of supporters and raised questions about the club’s ability to cross the final threshold.

The 22-year wait for a league title adds historical weight to the achievement. Arsenal’s last championship, delivered under Arsène Wenger in 2003/04, remains one of English football’s most celebrated campaigns, with that squad completing the season unbeaten across all 38 league fixtures — a record that has not been matched since.

The viral Botswana incident, while ultimately a hoax, underscores the depth of Arsenal’s fanbase across Africa, where the club commands a substantial following. It also reflects a growing pattern of misinformation circulating on social media during major sporting events, prompting official bodies to monitor and respond to false narratives in real time.

Arsenal are expected to hold an official title celebration in the coming days, with the club yet to confirm the schedule for any trophy parade or public event.