On Monday, October 27, 2025, the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) headquarters in Kigali hosted a press conference led by FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice and Rwanda Premier League President Hadji Mudaheranwa Yussuf. The session addressed various key issues including officiating, infrastructure development, and the official approval for three South Sudanese clubs to participate in Rwanda’s top football division. Three South Sudanese Teams to Compete in Rwanda President Shema Fabrice confirmed that Al-Merrikh, Al Hilal Omdurman, and Al Ahli SC Wad Madan from Sudan have been granted p
On Monday, October 27, 2025, the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) headquarters in Kigali hosted a press conference led by FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice and Rwanda Premier League President Hadji Mudaheranwa Yussuf. The session addressed various key issues including officiating, infrastructure development, and the official approval for three South Sudanese clubs to participate in Rwanda’s top football division.
Three South Sudanese Teams to Compete in Rwanda
President Shema Fabrice confirmed that Al-Merrikh, Al Hilal Omdurman, and Al Ahli SC Wad Madan from Sudan have been granted permission to compete in the Rwandan Premier League. The decision follows a formal request from the clubs, whose national league remains suspended due to ongoing insecurity in their country.
“I asked them why they chose Rwanda, and they said Rwanda is known for its safety, transparency, and hospitality. They even mentioned that Sudanese nationals living here gave them positive testimonials about life and football in Rwanda,” said Shema.
However, the FERWAFA president clarified that while the Sudanese clubs will be allowed to play in Rwanda, they will not compete for the Rwanda Premier League trophy or associated rewards. A separate recognition will be given to the best-performing foreign club, while the top Rwandan team will be crowned league champion.
VAR to Be Tested in February 2026
Addressing the ongoing complaints about officiating, Shema announced that Rwanda will begin testing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the second round of the league, starting in February 2026.
“Our VAR zone is based in Tanzania, but we’ve agreed to collaborate so that our referees can be trained locally. We plan to start testing VAR during the return fixtures and fully implement it in the next season,” he explained.
FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice during the press briefing held on October 27, 2025.”
Four New Stadiums Near Completion
FERWAFA also confirmed ongoing construction of four new stadiums in Gicumbi, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and one at the FERWAFA headquarters all expected to be completed by December 2025.
“These facilities are part of our broader plan to ensure that every district has an approved stadium within the next four years,” Shema added.
Officiating Remains a Hot Topic
The 2025/26 Rwanda Premier League has reached Matchday 5, but refereeing issues remain a major concern. Several referees have been suspended temporarily, while clubs continue to file formal complaints about inconsistent decisions.
Overall, the press conference reflected a new era for Rwandan football — one focused on modernization, regional cooperation, and restoring confidence in the country’s growing football infrastructure.
Rwanda Premier League President Mudaheranwa Hadji Yousuf speaking to journalists about ongoing developments in Rwandan football.”
“FERWAFA and Rwanda Premier League presidents, Shema Ngoga Fabrice and Mudaheranwa Hadji Yousuf, outlining new reforms aimed at improving Rwandan football.”
“Members of the media covering the joint briefing by FERWAFA and Rwanda Premier League officials.”
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