Rwanda’s football governing body, FERWAFA, has suspended Rayon Sports midfielder Heritier Luvumbu from all football activities in Rwanda for six months with immediate effect. The suspension, which takes effect on Tuesday, February 13, comes after the player performed a political gesture while celebrating his goal during Rayon Sports’ 2-1 league victory over Police FC at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, February 11. After scoring the opening goal from a free kick in the 53rd minute, Luvumbu appeared to celebrate, covering his right hand over his mouth while holding two fingers of his other hand to his head, a gesture that sparked controversy among club supporters at the stadium and football enthusiasts at large. The player’s celebration was not welcomed by Rayon Sports whose ‘Association’ distanced itself from what it called ‘bad conduct.’ The move was followed by the FERWAFA’s Independent Commission for Discipline’s decision to ban Luvumbu from all football activities for six months, explaining that what he did is not acceptable and “does not comply with the rules and regulations governing the federation.” “Mr. Hertier Nzinga Luvumbu is effectively suspended from all football activities in Rwanda for six months, part of the FA statement released on Tuesday, February 11, reads. “We take this opportunity to encourage members of the federation to ensure that the rules and regulations governing football in Rwanda are complied with.” Article 11 in rules and regulations governing FERWAFA states that the federation remains “neutral in all political and religious matters”. Therefore, the article states, “FERWAFA members must also strive for impartiality in all matters related to politics and religion and also strive for the members to be impartial in this regard.” “FERWAFA must be independent and refrain from interfering in any way in unnecessary political matters,” the article further states. Luvumbu did not participate in Rayon Sport's last two training sessions on Monday and Tuesday ahead of the upcoming Peace Cup quarter final first leg match against Vision FC, scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, at Mumena stadium. The suspension comes at the time the Congolese player had five months remaining on his contract which expires on June 30. That means Rayon’s game against Police could be his last match in the 2023/24 season.
