APR FC’s decision to withdraw from the 2026 FERWAFA Super Cup has raised questions about the obligations of clubs that qualify for official competitions and whether teams can decline participation without facing disciplinary consequences. FERWAFA introduced a major change to this year’s Super Cup, replacing the traditional one-off clash between the league champions and Peace Cup winners with a four-team knockout tournament featuring two semi-finals and a final. The revamped competition will now feature Rayon Sports, Police FC, Kiyovu Sports and Mukura Victory Sports, who were brought in to replace APR after the reigning league champions opted not to participate. ALSO READ: APR FC opt out of Super Cup as FA maintains four-team format While APR’s withdrawal has already led to their replacement, it remains unclear whether the club could face further disciplinary action. FERWAFA Secretary General Bonnie Mugabe said no decision had been made on possible sanctions against the club. “No sanctions yet. This will be determined by the Competitions Commission and communicated later,” Mugabe said. He added that the regulations governing the 2026 Super Cup were still being finalised and would be made public before the competition begins. “Before the start of each Super Cup, we publish regulations. For the 2026 edition, they will be published this week,” Mugabe added. APR’s decision has sparked debate within local football circles over the responsibilities of clubs competing in tournaments organised by the national federation. Generally, clubs that qualify for official competitions are expected to honour their participation commitments, with withdrawals potentially attracting administrative or disciplinary measures depending on the applicable regulations. In APR’s case, FERWAFA has already taken an immediate administrative measure by replacing the club with Mukura Victory Sports to preserve the four-team format. Whether that will be deemed sufficient or whether additional sanctions will follow will depend on the Competitions Commission’s decision and the provisions contained in the tournament regulations. APR spokesperson Tonny Kabanda said the club would explain the reasons behind its withdrawal at an upcoming press conference. “We can’t share any comment for now. We will invite you to the press conference soon and we hope you will get all the answers,” Kabanda said. Tournament format The revamped Super Cup will be played entirely at Kigali Pelé Stadium, with two single-leg semi-finals followed by a one-off final. Only players who are properly registered and hold valid licences for the 2026/27 season will be eligible to compete. Standard match regulations will apply, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to determine winners if matches are level after 90 minutes. For now, attention is on FERWAFA’s next move. APR’s withdrawal has not only changed the tournament lineup but also opened a wider discussion about club obligations, competition governance and the consequences of declining participation in official federation competitions. Until the Competitions Commission delivers its verdict, the question of whether APR will face sanctions remains unanswered. What is certain is that the 2026 FERWAFA Super Cup will go ahead without the reigning league champions, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
