The Rwanda Premier League has penalized APR FC’s Seidu Yussif Dauda and Etincelles FC’s Gédéon Ndonga Bivula for intentionally causing a delay to the start of their match.
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The Rwanda Premier League has penalized APR FC’s Seidu Yussif Dauda and Etincelles FC’s Gédéon Ndonga Bivula for intentionally causing a delay to the start of their match.

This incident took place during the Matchday 27 fixture of the 2025-2026 Rwanda Premier League season between Etincelles FC and APR FC, held at Stade Umuganda in Rubavu on April 18, 2026.

The Incident

Before the match commenced, a delay occurred regarding the players entering the pitch. Both Gédéon Ndonga Bivula (Etincelles) and Seidu Yussif Dauda (APR) were observed watching each other, waiting for the other to enter the field first, which ultimately delayed the start of the game.

Penalties Issued

The Rwanda Premier League released a statement regarding the sanctions:

  • Seidu Yussif Dauda: Fined 100,000 RWF.
  • Gédéon Ndonga Bivula: Fined 200,000 RWF.

The league stated these penalties were imposed in accordance with the Rwanda Premier League regulations, specifically Article 22, Paragraph 3.

“Both players were involved in actions causing delays to the start of the match, which is prohibited by the Rwanda Premier League regulations under Article 22, Paragraph 3, as they refused to enter the pitch when both teams emerged from the dressing rooms.”

The statement further noted that Gédéon Ndonga Bivula was observed engaging in “confusing rituals,” specifically applying a powder-like substance to his head, an act prohibited under Article 22, Paragraph 1 of the league’s regulations.

Excerpt from League Regulations

The regulations state the following regarding such conduct:

“Any suspicious or bewildering act performed in public (on the pitch, on the sidelines, or in the tunnel) that is viewed by the referee or match commissioner as intimidating, time-wasting, or likely to cause conflict is not permitted. Examples include pouring substances in the goal, in the dressing room, or performing rituals that delay the start or continuation of a match.”

“When the referee or match commissioner notes this in their report, the offender is fined 100,000 RWF. If the act is repeated, they are fined 300,000 RWF and face a three-match suspension. These fines are to be paid by the team. If the act is performed by the team as a whole, the team is fined 500,000 RWF.”

Dauda emerged from the dressing room and circled the pitch rather than using the designated entrance, due to fears of witchcraft.

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