Rwanda Premier League Board Chairman Hadji Mudaheranwa claims that the local football governing body (FERWAFA)’s recent decision on revised foreign players’ quota rule was not what clubs expected.

According to the new foreign players’ quota rule announced by FERWAFA on Sunday, September 1, the number of foreign players in the league has been raised to 10 up from six. However, clubs are not allowed to exceed six players on the pitch.

It’s a decision that left most of the clubs which instead wanted the number of foreign players increased to eight in the starting 11 and to 12 on the team sheet.

"Frankly, this isn’t exactly what we asked for," Mudaherwana, who also owns top tier side Gorilla FC, told Times Sport on Monday.

"But compared to last season, it’s a bit fairer. Coaches will now have more options from the bench, even if it’s not what we originally wanted,” he added.

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Police FC and Rayon Sports are among topflight clubs which signed many foreign players and the decision has left some clubs unsatisfied raising concerns about the fate of some of their new signings.

Rayon Sports Secretary General Patrick Namenye, voiced his frustration about the decision, claiming that, "We are not satisfied with FERWAFA’s decision on this issue. If they allow six foreign players to start and four others as substitutes, they should have considered letting two of those substitutes replace local players during the match.”

This request was ignored, leaving us with unresolved concerns."

Meanwhile, Police FC’s Secretary General, Claudette Umutoni, took a more compliant stance on the FA’s decision.

"FERWAFA is in charge of football in Rwanda, so if they believe this decision is right, then we at Police FC will comply. There’s nothing more to add," she said.

FERWAFA revised the foreign players’ quota rule may be aimed at balancing the need for competitive international players while ensuring opportunities for local talent.