Fabrice Ngoga Shema has resigned as President of the Football Federation of Rwanda (FERWAFA), handing over power to interim president Me Claudine Gasarabwe. The handover ceremony took place on October 29, 2026, at the FERWAFA headquarters. Shema expressed gratitude to all who supported him during his tenure and emphasized that his resignation does not mark a complete departure from Rwandan football. He pledged to continue attending matches and supporting the national team, Amavubi, as they strive to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Shema's resignation comes at a crucial time for Rwandan football, with Amavubi seeking to secure a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations. The team has shown promising performance in recent qualifying matches. Shema's commitment to continued involvement in football is seen as a positive development, given his experience and influence in the sport. His decision to step down as FERWAFA president was preceded by a guilty verdict for issuing undated checks, for which he was sentenced to six months in prison in November 2026.
Interim President Me Claudine Gasarabwe has vowed to continue implementing projects initiated by her predecessor. She emphasized the importance of unity, professionalism, and accountability in advancing Rwandan football. Gasarabwe assumed the role of interim president after Shema's resignation and vowed to ensure a smooth transition. She highlighted the need for FERWAFA to maintain its momentum in promoting football development in Rwanda.
Shema's involvement in football controversies has been a subject of discussion in Rwanda. His resignation as FERWAFA president and subsequent release from prison after agreeing to a settlement with the prosecution have raised questions about his future role in the sport. However, his pledge to continue supporting Amavubi and Rwandan football has been welcomed by stakeholders.
The Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign is a significant challenge for Amavubi, with the team seeking to make a strong impression. Shema's continued support and guidance could prove valuable in this endeavor. FERWAFA's efforts to promote football development in Rwanda have been ongoing, with various initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, coaching, and player development.
Me Claudine Gasarabwe's appointment as interim president has been seen as a positive move, given her experience and expertise in football administration. She has emphasized the need for FERWAFA to maintain its focus on development and progress. Gasarabwe's leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of Rwandan football, particularly in the context of Amavubi's Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.
The future of Rwandan football appears promising, with Shema's continued involvement and FERWAFA's ongoing efforts to promote the sport. The country's football stakeholders will be watching closely as Amavubi continues its qualification campaign and FERWAFA implements its development plans. Key to this will be maintaining unity, professionalism, and accountability within the football administration.
Key points
- Fabrice Ngoga Shema resigns as FERWAFA president but pledges continued support for Rwandan football.
