The International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) is yet to decide on Rwanda’s failed trip to take part in the just concluded World Cross Country Championship in Edinburgh, Scotland on Sunday.

The IAAF Deputy Director of Communications, Anna Legnani who talked to Times Sport by phone from Paris, France said that any decision would be taken after hearing reasons which may have forced the Rwandan female team not to take part in the championship.

"IAAF will decide on what to do after hearing Rwanda’s side. I understand many countries failed to take part in the event due to visa problems.

"I’m yet to talk to the responsible commission and I will get back to you with a response in a day’s time,” Legnani told Timesport

Rwanda’s Angelline Nyiransabimana was supposed to represent the country in the female category but her and four male athletes; Sylvain Rukundo, Gervais Hakizimana and Jean Baptista Simuceka) failed to make it on time for the Edinburgh championship due to delays to acquire UK visas.

Only Dieudonne Disi took part in the event but did not finish.
In a related development, Frw11 millions from the Sport Ministry coffers was lost in the Edinburgh trip.

According to the athletics federation Secretary General Appolinaire Munyangoga, the money was used in preparing and air tickets.

The Rwandan team was expected to leave for Scotland on Saturday night from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where they had stopped to pick their visas, which they go too little to late to be able to arrive in Edinburgh in time for the championship.

The five members on the team who managed to get visas included coach Adolph Rukenkanya and athletes Rukundo, Hakizimana, Simuceka and Nyiransabimana respectively.

Those who were denied visas included Felix Ntirenganya, Godfrey Rutayisire Cyriaque Ndayikengurikiye, Pelagie Musengimana and Claudette Mukasakindi and Genessi Nyirahabimana.

Ethiopia’s Kenenisia Bekele claimed a record sixth record world cross country title after while compatriot Tirunesh Dibaba won the senior female category crown.
Ends