The number of teams competing in the Azam Rwanda Premier League has increased from the usual 14 teams to 16 effective the 2015/16 season set to start on September 18.

This is one of the decisions made by the Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) during their two-day extraordinary general assembly with its stakeholders on Saturday and Sunday at Boni Consili Hotel, Huye District.

It is understood that the increase in the number of teams was part of the agreement between FERWAFA and the new league sponsors (Azam TV). Last Wednesday, Azam TV and FERWAFA signed a sponsorship deal worth US$ 2.35m over a period of five years.

The 14 teams already in the topflight include; APR FC, Rayon Sports, SC Kiyovu, AS Kigali, Musanze FC, Marines FC, Gicumbi FC, Sunrise FC, Bugesera FC, Rwamagana FC, Espoir FC, Police FC, Amagaju FC and Mukura Victory Sports. To rejoin the topflight football league are relegated sides.

The two teams to join them will come from the two relegated sides, Etincelles and Isonga FC, while second division beaten semi-finalists AS Muhanga and Rulindo-based Sorwathe FC will also feature in the league.

The general assembly, held behind closed doors, was attended by members of the FERWAFA executive committee and heads of all first and second division clubs, (men and women) as well as heads of the various commissions in FERWAFA.

According to a source, who attended the meeting, they also reviewed FERWAFA’s rules and regulations as well as the signing of performance contracts (imihigo) between clubs and the local football governing body.

Efforts to get an official comment from the officials were yet to bear fruit by press time.

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