Shema Fabrice has officially resigned as the President of the Football Federation of Rwanda (FERWAFA), effective immediately. In a letter to the FERWAFA General Assembly, Fabrice cited integrity concerns as the reason for his resignation. He emphasized that stepping down was crucial to protecting the organization's integrity, maintaining public trust, and allowing other activities to continue without interruption.
Fabrice expressed his commitment to upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance in Rwandan football. He stated that he was willing to assist with the transition process to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities. Fabrice also thanked the General Assembly, Executive Committee, FERWAFA staff, partners, sponsors, fans, and the national team for their trust and collaboration during his tenure.
The resignation comes after Fabrice was recently sentenced to six months in prison by a court for fraud and embezzlement related to medical equipment business dealings. According to FERWAFA's laws, individuals convicted by a court are not eligible to hold leadership positions in the organization. Fabrice was elected as FERWAFA President on August 30, 2022, for a four-year term.
In his resignation letter, Fabrice acknowledged that his decision was made in the best interest of FERWAFA and the football community. He reiterated his dedication to the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability in football administration. Fabrice also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Rwandan football, calling it a great honor.
The FERWAFA General Assembly and Executive Committee will need to respond to Fabrice's resignation and initiate the process of selecting a new president. The organization's leadership will have to navigate this transition while ensuring that FERWAFA's activities and operations continue uninterrupted. The integrity concerns that led to Fabrice's resignation will likely be a key consideration in the selection of his successor.
Fabrice's resignation highlights the importance of integrity and accountability in sports administration. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for strong governance and oversight in football organizations. The Rwanda football community will be watching closely as FERWAFA navigates this transition and works to maintain the trust of its stakeholders.
The transition process will be closely monitored, and the next steps for FERWAFA will be crucial in determining the future of football in Rwanda. The organization's commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency will be essential in rebuilding trust and ensuring the continued growth and development of the sport.
Key points
- Shema Fabrice resigns as FERWAFA President due to integrity concerns following a court sentence for fraud and embezzlement.
