FA, league body to discuss proposed increase in foreign players
Thursday, July 18, 2024
FERWAFA vice-president in charge of technical development Richard Mugisha.

The Rwandan football governing body (FERWAFA) has said that no change on existing foreign players' quota rule has been made despite club’s continued push to get the rule revised before the beginning of the 2024/25 season.

The current foreign players’ quota rule allows clubs to field six players in the starting 11 in competitions organized by Ferwafa but proposal tabled by the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) board indicates that clubs want the number increased to eight, and 12 on their squad lists.

"Yes, the League body wants it, but it's yet to be discussed with FERWAFA," federation vice-president in charge of technical development Richard Mugisha told Times Sport.

"But no decision has been made on that matter," he added.

Mugisha was responding to speculations that emerged on Thursday, July 18, indicating that the federation had already approved the proposed increase of foreign players in clubs.

The official revealed that the federation will hold showdown talks on the fresh proposal and, "A decision will be made on this matter very soon. But as it stands today, the regulations on foreign players in the starting 11 remain 6. The football fraternity will be informed if any changes come up."

The push to increase the number of foreign players allowed in the starting 11 is reportedly being championed by major clubs like APR FC and Police FC, which have signed a big number of foreign players recently during the ongoing transfer market.

These clubs argue that a higher foreign player quota could enhance the competitiveness of the league.

As FERWAFA prepares to deliberate on the proposal, the football community awaits a final decision that could significantly impact the structure and dynamics of the Rwanda Premier League.