New signings Will Perry and Abdoulaye Harouna will not be eligible to play for Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the ongoing Rwanda Basketball League playoffs after their international transfers were not completed before the competition began.

The registration window had already closed by the time the transfers were approved, leaving the two players unable to feature in the best-of-five semi-final series.

Under FIBA and FERWABA regulations, players must complete the required international clearance and registration procedures before the start of the playoffs.

Times Sport understands that REG initiated the players’ international transfer requests through the FIBA MAP system on July 30. However, the transfers had not been approved or completed when the playoffs tipped off on August 5.

FIBA regulations require a player to obtain the necessary Letter of Clearance through the FIBA MAP system before being licensed to play.

FERWABA’s General Regulations also require players to be approved before the start of the playoffs and do not allow new players to be registered once the knockout stage has begun.

REG requested exceptional consideration for the two players, but the transfers were not completed within the applicable timelines. Registering them after the start of the playoffs would therefore have been inconsistent with the competition regulations.

REG level series despite setback

Despite being without their new signings, REG fought back to level the semi-final series at 1-1 after edging Patriots 74-71 in Game 2 at BK Arena on Friday.

Perry watched the game from the stands as REG secured the crucial victory.

Elsewhere, APR BBC also levelled their semi-final series at 1-1 after overcoming RSSB Tigers 82-79 earlier in the evening.

Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday, August 10.