Corruption is currently a problem in Rwanda’s Football Federation. The Secretary General is currently suspended and the chairman of competitions commission as well as the referee for the Rwamagan–Nyagatare match are both being investigated.
From Rwandan correspondent
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA)controversy. The federation’s members are suspected of corruption.
Falsifications of match reports are the root of the problem
It all dates back June 8, following the Second Division League quarterfinal match between Muhanga, Rwamagana, and their second leg match. Rwamagana won this meeting (1-2). Rwamagana qualified for the semi finals thanks to this victory. In the first leg Muhanga defeated Rwamagana (0-1).
Rwamagana received a letter from Henry Muhire, Secretary General of FERWAFA, stating that it had cheated during its return match. The team was then suspended. The formation was accused by Muhanga of having used the player Mbanze Josué during this meeting while he was suspended for accumulation of yellow cards. “Rwamagana City forfeited for using a suspended player with three yellow cards in their previous game against AS Muhanga”Muhire was confirmed by The New Times in a telephone interview.
Suspended FERWAFA members
Rwamagana appealed to FERWAFA. This team demanded the match report (Rwamagana–Nyagatare) to prove that their player was in order. Henry Muhire who was allegedly corrupted by Muhanga to the tune of 12 million Rwandan francs, allegedly deleted the emails containing the reports of this match with the complicity of Félix Nzeyimana, president of the competitions commission. They then asked Tuyisenge Jakartan, who officiated at the meeting, for a second report. “mention that Mbanze Josué had collected a yellow card so that there is evidence. The referee, who allegedly accepted bribes, agreed to do this.
They had all forgotten how technology has evolved. FEARWAFA has resorted to IT specialists, and the deleted emails were found. These emails revealed that the player in question hadn’t received a yellow card, contrary to the new report from the referee. The two reports were for the same match and were both written by the exact same referee. FERWAFA knew that this was a case of corruption. The Rwandan football body then fired the chairman and suspended its Secretary General. It restored Rwamagana’s rights. This team also faced Interforce in the semi-finals. Rwamagana won (2-0). The return match will take place Sunday 26 June. The winner will play next season’s first division match.
Today, 20th June 2022 FERWAFA has removed Mr. Muhire Henri Brulart as General Secretary. The reason for this is that accountability issues fall within the scope his work.
Mrs.Delphine Uwanyiligira, Legal commissioner, will assume office temporarily.
— Rwanda FA (@FERWAFA) June 20, 2022
Intervention of the Rwandan Bureau of Investigations
Radio B&B Umwezi’s Dr Murangira Thierry spoke on behalf of the Rwandan office for investigation and said that they were being held by FERWAFA in a case involving corruption. The RIB thus arrested Fléix Nzeyimana and Tuyisenge Javan. Dr. Murangira stated that an investigation was in progress and could not communicate with the press before the investigation was over.
The consequences for those involved in this case are severe. In Rwanda, forgery or the use of forgery are punishable under article 276 of its penal code. A sentence of 5 to 7 years imprisonment, a fine of 3 – 5 million Rwandan francs or one of these penalties can be imposed.
Desire Hatungimana
Source: sportnewsafrica
