The Minister of Sports in Rwanda, Nelly Mukazayire, addressed football fans in Rwanda following the chaos that occurred during the match between Bugesera FC and Rayon Sports, held at Bugesera District Stadium on matchday 28 of Rwandan Premier League.
This chaos, happened on Saturday, May 17, 2025, when the match was stopped in the 52nd minute after Bugesera FC was awarded a penalty, which came shortly after a penalty appeal by Rayon Sports had been denied by the match referee Ngaboyisonga Patrick, following a foul on Abbedy Biramahire.
Minister Mukazayire, through her official X account, said:“Good evening! We have continued to see reports related to the match between Rayon Sports and Bugesera FC, especially the incidents that took place there. We would like to remind football fans and all Rwandans that violent or disorderly conduct in sports is not allowed and is punishable by law.”
She went on to say that if teams have complaints, there are legal institutions responsible for following them up: “Regarding how the match went and any complaints the clubs might have, there are legal channels through ‘FERWAFA’ and ‘Rwanda League’ that should be followed. As Rayon Sports, we also have responsibilities and collaboration mechanisms with other institutions, and we will follow up through those.”
This match was a major decider in the League title race, which is why Rayon Sports had requested FERWAFA to assign an international referee for the game. However, FERWAFA ignored the request and appointed a non-international referee instead
Janvier Twagirumukiza / The Kaminuza Star