The Rwanda Premier League has fined Gicumbi FC and Kigali FC for changing players’ jersey numbers without authorisation, in violation of competition regulations. The sanctions follow incidents during the two clubs’ BK Pro League match at Kigali Pelé Stadium on October 9, when several players took to the pitch wearing numbers different from those officially registered with the league. Gicumbi FC were found to have committed multiple violations. Olivier Nshimiyimana switched from jersey number 8 to number 15, while Yasiri Munezero, registered with number 27, exchanged numbers with Abdullatif Hakizimana, who had been assigned number 17. The club also fielded Olivier Ndungutse wearing number 14 instead of his registered number 21. Meanwhile, Kigali FC assigned jersey number 24, previously worn by Ngoy Alvine Ilunga, to debutant Christian Theodore Malipangu. According to the Rwanda Premier League, both clubs breached Article 14, Paragraph 3 of the competition regulations, which governs the use of players’ jersey numbers throughout the season. Gicumbi FC were fined Rwf300,000, while Kigali FC were ordered to pay Rwf100,000. The league directed both clubs to settle their fines before their next BK Pro League fixtures. The Rwanda Premier League reiterated that clubs are not permitted to change players’ registered jersey numbers during the same season. Under the regulations, any club found in violation faces a fine of Rwf100,000 for each offence. However, the rules allow a club to reassign a jersey number to another player if the original holder leaves the team, provided the league is formally notified in writing.
