Local media houses interested in broadcasting league matches will have to pay for broadcasting rights, according to Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) president Vincent Nzamwita. Nzamwita says the decision was taken because Ferwafa is in talks with “potential partners” to sell the naming and broadcasting rights of the league. “Ferwafa is in talks with potential partners who will be awarded the league naming rights and broadcasting rights respectively,” Nzamwita said last week. He said the talks are in advanced stages and hopefully two sponsors will be on board before the league kicks off on October 18. “We are looking for a corporate sponsor who is ready to increase the sponsorship so that we can supplement the budget for the up-coming season,” Nzamwita noted. Currently the league is sponsored by Bralirwa through their Primus brand. According to Nzamwita, if any radio, television, or print media company wants to broadcast, televise or take photos for any national football league match, they will have to purchase the rights. “We want to market the league so that players get the opportunity to be watched by clubs at the professional level,” he explained. If the decision is upheld, it will be the first time in the history of Rwandan football that media houses pay to cover league matches.
