APR have been crowned champions for a record-extending 18th time after the 2019/2020 Rwanda Premier League season was declared over amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Rwanda football Federation (Ferwafa) made the announcement on Friday, May 22, with local powerhouse APR named champions as they topped the table with a seven-point advantage at match-day 23 of the 30-game season.

Gicumbi and Heroes FC, 15th-placed and bottom side, respectively, will be relegated to the second division, while runners-up Rayon Sports are expected to represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup. APR will play the Champions League.

The topflight league, like all other sports activities in the country, was suspended on March 15.

Times Sport understands that the majority of the league teams voted in favour to award the title to APR.

Ferwafa convened a series of meetings, including with the first and second division league teams, to decide the fate of the season after the Ministry of Sports announced earlier this month that it was extending the ban on all competitive sports until September.

Div2 league

The best two teams from the second division league will be promoted to the top tier after the play-off games which will bring together the top four from Pool A and Pool B as per the season’s first-leg.

The local football governing body says it will continue to monitor the pandemic situation with the aim of scheduling the playoffs competition as soon as it is safe for all concerned.

Women’s league

Meanwhile, the 2020 edition of the women’s first and second division leagues have been suspended and will resume when the Government lifts the ban on competitive action.

Peace Cup

The 2020 edition of the annual Peace Cup tournament, for men and women, have been null and void, while all youth competitions have also been indefinitely postponed.