FERWAFA sanctions APR FC over breach of foreign players quota rule
Wednesday, November 06, 2024
APR FC have forefited their match against Gorilla FC after fielding seven foreign players on the pitch as opposed to the current foreign player quota rule-File

The Rwanda FA has confirmed that APR FC has forfeited their match against Gorilla FC that took place at Kigali Pele Stadium, on Sunday, November 3.

The forfeit is among sanctions that FERWAFA Competitions Commission slapped the Rwandan champions over violating the existing foreign player limit.

Gorilla FC had, right after the match, filed a complaint to the local football governing body (FERWAFA) accusing the military side of violating article 8.2 of the rules and regulations governing competitions organized by FERWAFA.

ALSO READ: Novic says ‘not APR’s fault’ fielding 7 foreign players vs Gorilla FC

The article allows teams to fill 10 foreign players on team sheet but restricts them to field more than six on the pitch at the same time.

APR FC head coach Darko Novic had six foreign players in his starting 11 against Gorilla FC. The incident unfolded when the Serbian coach made double substitution in the second half, bringing in Nigerian Nwobodo Chidiebere and Mamadou Sy for Arsene Tuyisenge and Lamptey respectively.

The substitutions left APR playing with seven foreign players, exceeding the six players provided by the existing foreign players’ quota rule.

The military side played at least five minutes with seven foreign players on the pitch until the coaches made quick a substitution by replacing Lamine Bah with Alain Kwitonda to meet the required number.

ALSO READ: How APR FC fell into foreign player limit trap

The Competitions Commission, in its decisions issued on Wednesday, November 6, ruled that APR FC lost the match 3-0 by forfeit, hence awarding the win to Gorilla FC. The army side was also fined Rwf 100,000.

Following the decision, Gorilla have now climbed to second place with 17 points, level on points with league leaders Rayon Sports while APR have dropped to 15th with four points, just one point clear of bottom placed Kiyovu Sports.

APR FC return to action on Thursday when they will face Vision FC at Kigali Pele Stadium.

The club will be playing their first game without Team Manager Eric Ntazinda on the touchline after suspending him mainly over the mistakes committed in the event of g the foreign player limit incident.

Times Sport understands that Ntazinda was at the team's training session on Tuesday preparing for the match against Vision FC before the club management called him to receive his suspension letter.