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. RAYON SPORTS FC banned and fined over 2020 UBUTWARI TOURNAMENT withdrawal. full statement? https://t.co/nKwKv3f9UC pic.twitter.com/BLBMS925ql — Rwanda FA (@FERWAFA) February 8, 2020 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. I think @rayon_sports have lawyers, it is up to them to claim if they are innocent! And @FERWAFA has to be ready to pay fines if they fail as they always do when they fire coaches illegally! Hagati aho tuba tubabona! pic.twitter.com/4nEM3s4n5i — Bavo ?? (@uwabavo) February 8, 2020 Bye bye to the impunity culture in Rwandahttps://t.co/HN02bJBlkY 1. Rayon Sports banned from participating in 2021 UBUTWARI Tournament|| 2. ordered to pay a fine of 300,000 Rwf|| 3. banned from organizing/taking part in national or international friendly matches for 12 months — Oswald Oswakim Mutuyeyezu (@oswaki) February 8, 2020 Whatever the pressure by fans, many as they may be, discipline and respect are important values in our football and our society. Paying tribute to our heroes through competition is priceless and should not be an option for some. No football team should be above the law.@FERWAFA https://t.co/luhVikENlj — Amb. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe (@onduhungirehe) February 8, 2020
