RAYON Sports have been slapped with a Rwf300,000 fine and ban to organise or engage in friendly matches for a period of 12 months after pulling out of this year’s Ubutwari Cup tournament on Friday, January 25, just a day before it started.

The reigning Rwanda Premier League champions pulled out at last minute allegedly because some of their new signings – who were yet to be cleared to play for the club – were denied by the local football association (Ferwafa) to feature in the tournament.

In a recent interview with this publication, the club’s spokesperson, Jean Paul Nkuruziza said that "Ubutwari Cup is not a Fifa-sanctioned tournament, the organisers should have relaxed the rules.”

"We have a number of new signings who are yet to receive their International Transfer Certificate (ITC) or work permits, this tournament would have been a good opportunity to test themselves and gain match fitness.” 

On top of the fine and ban from engaging in friendly matches – local or international, the Blues will also not be considered for the 2021 Ubutwari Cup.

How social media reacted to Rayon Sports' sanctions.