Rayon Sports’ head of conflict resolutions committee, Patrick Rukundo, on Monday, September 18, resigned from his position after three years of service as his APR jersey scandal takes a new twist.
Rukundo has been at the centre of controversy since he was spotted at Kigali Pele Stadium wearing an APR FC jersey during club’s goalless draw against Egyptian side Pyramids in the CAF Champions League on Sunday.
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"I write this letter to resign from my position in the conflict resolution committee of Rayon Sports,” Rukundo’s resignation letter reads in part.
Many who know Rukundo well do not doubt his love Rayon Sports to the extent that that he regularly contributes to the team financially. But his decision to wear a jersey of a rival club like APR surprised them.
"I was really surprised. I have known him for quite two decades and I do not doubt his loyalty for Rayon Sports. But I couldn’t believe he would do that; I really don’t recall him showing sympathy to APR ” a friend of Rukundo told Times Sport.
But Rukundo defended his stance, insisting that he put on the jersey ‘just to support APR against Pyramids’ and that it was an idea that he thought about.
However, it didn’t go down well with Rayon Sports supporters who criticized him not because he supported the army side against a foreign club but because he crossed the line when he decided to wear a rivals’ jersey, a gesture that many described as ‘scandalous.’
"What he did is a mess. He should have known who APR are to Rayon Sports. But he ignored the rivalry and did something that nobody at Rayon has done before. He betrayed us,” said Patrice Mugabo, a Blues fan.
Rukundo has been under pressure since photos of him circulated on social media dressed in a shirt of a team which is arguably Rayon’s fiercest rival for over the past 25 years or so.
"Rayon Sports and APR are rivals. There are even fans who chose to support a foreign team when APR is playing at home. I don’t think he put on the jersey all of a sudden, he thought about it, but, at times, it sparked controversy because he has responsibilities at Rayon Sports,” said sports pundit Eric Nsabimana.
Despite his resignation, the businessman pledged to keep supporting the club financially.
"I wish to assure you that I will always be there as a supporter and member of Rayon Sports. I will continue to give my contribution as a club member."