World Football governing body (FIFA) has ordered the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) to pay former Amavubi head coach Adel Amrouche USD360,000 (approximately Rwf530 million) in compensation after ruling that his dismissal was without just cause. The Belgian coach of Algerian origin was suspended by FERWAFA in January before the federation eventually relieved him of his duties and appointed Stephen Constantine for a second spell in March. Amrouche subsequently challenged his dismissal before FIFA, arguing that his contract had been terminated without just cause. In his complaint, the former Rwanda coach acknowledged that he had not fully fulfilled certain contractual obligations. However, he maintained that the issues raised by FERWAFA did not justify the termination of his employment contract. After reviewing the case, FIFA ruled in Amrouche’s favour and ordered FERWAFA to pay him USD360,000, equivalent to approximately Rwf530.3 million. FERWAFA Secretary General Bonnie Mugabe confirmed that the federation had received the decision but said it was awaiting FIFA’s detailed written reasoning before determining its next course of action. Mugabe said FERWAFA had formally requested the full grounds for the ruling. “The General Secretariat of FERWAFA confirms that it has received FIFA’s decision regarding the employment dispute involving former Head Coach Adel Amrouche,” he said. “FERWAFA has already submitted a request to FIFA asking for the full written grounds and reasoning behind the decision. We will carefully examine those documents once they are provided.” The federation indicated that it could appeal the ruling if the detailed decision provides sufficient grounds. “While awaiting the detailed written reasons for the decision, FERWAFA intends to make use of all appropriate legal and sporting remedies available to protect the interests of football in Rwanda,” Mugabe added. “If the explanations provided indicate grounds for an appeal, FERWAFA will initiate proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the legally prescribed timeframe and in accordance with the applicable regulations.” The ruling adds another chapter to Amrouche’s history of successfully challenging football federations over employment disputes. In 2015, he won a similar case against the Football Kenya Federation, which FIFA ordered to pay him USD1 million after ruling that his dismissal had been unjustified. Amrouche was appointed Rwanda head coach in February 2025 on a two-year contract that was due to run until March 2027. However, his tenure was marked by disappointing results, with Rwanda recording one win, one draw and four defeats under his leadership. His only victory came against Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September 2025.
