Kiyovu SC will need to pay debts in excess of Rwf157 million to overcome the current transfer ban imposed by world football governing body (FIFA). The Mumena-based club had been under the ban since 2024 due to unpaid debts to several players, including former APR midfielder Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub. The ban restricted the club from signing new players since last season. The club’s crisis went from bad to worse when FIFA recently extended the transfer ban to another three seasons. The club will need to clear debts worth Rwf157,000,000 for FIFA to relax the sanctions. Until the ban is lifted, the club won’t be able to sign any players, a situation that could see them struggle to avoid relegation during the 2025/26 season which will commence on August 15. Kiyovu SC spokesperson Hemed Minani told Times Sport that the club’s executive committee has scheduled fundraising meeting on July 4, and a general assembly meeting on July 12 both of which are aimed at addressing the issue. He said that the fundraising meeting will be attended by individuals affiliated with the club, as well as other supporters willing and able to contribute. On the other hand, the general assembly meeting is strictly for official club members, who are required to pay a Rwf 100,000 participation fee. “Kiyovu Sports committee is organizing these meetings because of the current challenges we are facing. In fact, we need 157,000,000 RWF to solve our problem, so we are calling on all Kiyovu Sports supporters to contribute,” said Minani. ALSO READ: Kevin Muhire “ready” for new challenge in South Sudan Although FIFA had temporarily lifted the ban after an agreement was reached with creditors, the situation worsened when Emmanuel Kalyowa filed a lawsuit against the club at the FIFA Court, resulting in a renewed sanction. “Currently, we’re also under pressure from Blanchard Ngabonziza, a Burundian player who is acting in accordance with his contract. Although he signed with us last year, he has not played a single match,” Minani explained. Kiyovu Sports started at the bottom of the league table. In a bid to stay afloat, the club promoted several young players from its academy and borrowed others from Intare Football Club Academy, ultimately finishing the season in 10th place with 37 points.
