Fabrice Shema Ngoga has resigned as President of the Rwanda Football Federation, FERWAFA, effective immediately. His resignation comes amid legal issues related to his private business activities, which are reportedly unrelated to his role at FERWAFA. Shema was elected president on August 30, 2025, and was set to serve a four-year term. He received 51 out of 53 votes at the FERWAFA Annual General Assembly in Kigali.
According to reports, Shema had faced legal proceedings over matters connected to his private business activities. He was handed a suspended six-month prison sentence following a plea agreement. The legal issues surrounding his resignation do not appear to be linked to his responsibilities as president of FERWAFA. Despite this, his resignation leaves the federation facing another leadership transition, barely a year after he assumed office.
Shema's departure is expected to trigger another phase of leadership arrangements within Rwanda's football governing body. FERWAFA had already been operating under Acting President Claudine Gasarabwe earlier in September. The federation will have to navigate another change at the top of its administration, with an acting leadership structure already in place.
Shema's relatively short tenure began after the August 2025 election, when he was elected unopposed and received overwhelming support from delegates. His resignation brings an abrupt end to his four-year mandate, less than two years after he was elected to head Rwandan football. The circumstances surrounding his resignation have raised questions about the future of FERWAFA.
The Rwanda Football Federation will have to adapt to another leadership change, which may impact the country's football development. FERWAFA's administrative activities will continue, but the federation's stability may be affected by the sudden resignation of its president.
The implications of Shema's resignation on Rwanda's football landscape remain to be seen. As the country looks to develop its football infrastructure and programs, a stable leadership is crucial. The new leadership will have to address the challenges facing Rwandan football and work towards achieving the country's football goals.
The search for a new president will begin, and FERWAFA will have to ensure a smooth transition to avoid any disruptions to the country's football activities. The federation's ability to navigate this transition effectively will be crucial in maintaining stability and promoting growth in Rwandan football.
Key points
- Fabrice Shema Ngoga resigned as President of FERWAFA amid legal issues related to his private business activities.
- Shema's resignation leaves FERWAFA facing another leadership transition, barely a year after he assumed office.
- The implications of Shema's resignation on Rwanda's football landscape remain to be seen.
