Upholding fair play! A closer look at referee Umutoni and FERWAFA's decision

AS Kigali defender Jean Bosco Akayezu will not face charges amid alleged assault claims against referee Aline Umutoni, Rwanda FA has said. This was the introduction of a story published in The New Times of Wednesday, December 13. If this line popped up on your phone screen as a notification and somehow, you don't read the rest of the story, you may be tempted to assume the player must have done something out of the ordinary to warrant his actions as assault. Fair enough, the photo looks somewhat provocative to the eye but, if you are a sports person, you find that players normally have/get physical contact with match officials--it's not encouraged or allowed but it's normal! In the world of sports, controversies often arise, and football is no stranger to heated moments that spark debates and discussions. Akayezu finds himself in the midst of a storm after that eye-catching photo circulated on social media, capturing a moment that led to allegations of (sexual) assault against referee Umutoni. Despite the noise surrounding the incident, the Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) and Umutoni demonstrated commendable judgment in not pursuing charges against Akayezu. First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge the match official's role in maintaining the integrity of the game. Referee Umutoni, entrusted with upholding the laws of football, exhibited a high level of professionalism by not allowing external pressure to influence her decision-making. In situations where players may attempt to dispute a call, referees must remain resolute and focused on the rules of the game. Umutoni's silence on the alleged incident in her match report speaks volumes about her commitment to fair play and the principle of not letting external factors interfere with her duties. What's more, the absence of any mention of the incident in Umutoni's match report underscores her confidence in handling the situation appropriately during the game. Umutoni knows what she signed for, and Indeed she stayed steadfast in her ability to handle a man's game. Referees are trained to identify and report any misconduct or violations accurately, and Umutoni's omission of the alleged assault on her, in her report, suggests that she did not perceive it as a significant breach of the rules. This aligns with the notion that referees are entrusted to make real-time judgments on the field, and their reports serve as a comprehensive account of the match's events. FERWAFA's decision to not pursue charges against Akayezu further reinforces the importance of a measured assessment of incidents that occur during matches. While public opinion may vary, the football governing body must adhere to a fair and consistent disciplinary process. In this case, the absence of a formal complaint from the referee, combined with the lack of a clear breach of the rules, led FERWAFA to rightly prioritize maintaining the integrity of the sport over succumbing to external pressures. It's crucial to recognize that not every on-field incident requires legal intervention. Referees have the authority to manage and control matches, and their decisions are final within the context of the game. In situations where players may engage in heated exchanges or attempts to influence officials, the football community and general public should trust the expertise of the referees and the game's governing body to handle matters appropriately. Referee Umutoni and FERWAFA's decision not to pursue charges against Akayezu reflects a commitment to the principles of fair play and adherence to the rules of the game. Their actions demonstrate a dedication to maintaining the integrity of football by allowing the on-field officials to exercise their judgment without unnecessary external interference. Long may this firmness continue. So, when feminists like Sylvie Nsanga claim that the player assaulted Umutoni and goes ahead to call on Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) to pick interest in the incident, I wonder, if that would not be stretching the boundaries of the laws of the game. According to The New Times’ article, Nsanga suggests that a gender mainstreaming strategy involving human rights and women's rights organisations should be prioritized to ensure safety and protection of women in sports. “You have to put strong mechanisms to detect sexual harassment and prevent it,” she posted on her X account. While I respect her opinion and support her proposal, my view is that controversies will always be a part of football, and it is essential to appreciate and support decisions that prioritize the sport's core values and the authority of those responsible for upholding them, otherwise, we risk having on-field decisions being taken in boardrooms. That will be the end of football!

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Upholding fair play! A closer look at referee Umutoni and FERWAFA's decision