Rwanda’s football governing body (FERWAFA) has established an independent Arbitration Tribunal aimed at handling disputes within the country’s football ecosystem. The federation resolved the creation of the body on December 15 where it will operate for a fixed term of one year. According to the federation, the independent arbitration body will be tasked to hear cases involving clubs, players, coaches and other football stakeholders, offering an alternative to ordinary court proceedings. Its mandate includes resolving disputes related to contracts, governance and disciplinary matters within the sport. A five-member tribunal led by Eric Kanamugire was appointed to assume duties. Kanamugire will be assisted by Pelagie Niwemfura who was named Vice President. Other members are Thierry Mpamo, Alida Uwambayishema and Athanase Nkubito. The appointed members, the FA said, were selected based on “their competence in sports law, arbitration and football regulation.” The creation of the body follows a model adopted by several football federations globally, where independent arbitration mechanisms are used to manage internal disputes. The tribunal assumed duties effectively and will serve as the primary arbitration body for football-related cases in Rwanda during its mandate.
