Shema Fabrice, who was elected as the President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) on August 30, 2026, has resigned from his position. His resignation was made public through a letter addressed to the FERWAFA Council on September 29, 2026. In the letter, Fabrice stated that his decision to step down was made in good faith and in line with his personal values. He emphasized that his resignation was immediate and aimed at protecting the integrity of the federation, maintaining public trust, and allowing the organization to continue its activities without any negative impact.
Fabrice's resignation comes after he was arrested on August 10, 2026, and subsequently indicted for corruption and forgery. On September 22, 2026, he was released from custody after reaching a plea agreement with the prosecution. As part of the agreement, Fabrice accepted a six-month suspended sentence and a fine of 3 million Rwandan francs. He pleaded guilty to charges of issuing a bounced check, as outlined in Article 126 of the Law Nº060/2021 of October 14, 2021, and to charges of obtaining someone else's property through forgery, as outlined in Article 174 of the Law Nº68/2018 of August 30, 2018.
The charges against Fabrice stem from a transaction involving a check worth $600,000. The check was issued as part of a payment agreement between his company, Africa Media Supplier, and ABZL International General Trading LLC, a company based in the United Arab Emirates. However, before his arrest, Fabrice had already paid the company. The prosecution's investigation revealed that Fabrice had indeed issued a bounced check, leading to the charges.
Fabrice's resignation has significant implications for the Rwanda Football Federation, which will need to find a replacement to lead the organization. The federation's council will likely convene to discuss the matter and determine the next steps. The incident has raised concerns about corruption within the country's football administration and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
The case against Fabrice highlights the efforts of Rwandan authorities to combat corruption and ensure accountability in various sectors, including sports. The country's anti-corruption agencies have been actively pursuing cases involving high-profile individuals and officials. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future cases involving corruption and abuse of power.
The Rwanda Football Federation has a crucial role to play in promoting football in the country and ensuring that the sport is governed in accordance with international standards. The federation's leadership will be critical in restoring public trust and ensuring that the organization operates with integrity. The incident has also raised questions about the vetting process for officials and the need for greater scrutiny of individuals in leadership positions.
As Fabrice's resignation takes effect, the Rwanda Football Federation will need to focus on its core activities, including promoting football development programs and preparing for upcoming competitions. The organization will also need to address the challenges posed by this incident and work towards rebuilding public trust. The country's football community will be watching closely to see how the federation responds to this crisis and works towards a more transparent and accountable future.
Key points
- Shema Fabrice resigned as President of FERWAFA after being charged with corruption and forgery.
- Fabrice accepted a six-month suspended sentence and a fine of 3 million Rwandan francs as part of a plea agreement.
- The case highlights the efforts of Rwandan authorities to combat corruption and ensure accountability in various sectors.
