The Rwanda Football Refereeing Commission has officially released its comprehensive review of Matchday 5 fixtures in the 2025/2026 Rwanda Premier League. The report, issued this week, focuses on three high-profile matches — Bugesera FC vs AS Muhanga , Kiyovu SC vs APR FC , and Rayon Sports FC vs Amagaju FC — highlighting critical refereeing decisions, disciplinary actions, and overall officiating standards. Bugesera FC vs AS Muhanga: Refereeing Oversight Leads to Disciplinary Sanctions Following an in-depth assessment of the match held on October 25, 2025, at Bugesera Stadium, the Commission i
The Rwanda Football Refereeing Commission has officially released its comprehensive review of Matchday 5 fixtures in the 2025/2026 Rwanda Premier League. The report, issued this week, focuses on three high-profile matches — Bugesera FC vs AS Muhanga, Kiyovu SC vs APR FC, and Rayon Sports FC vs Amagaju FC — highlighting critical refereeing decisions, disciplinary actions, and overall officiating standards.
Bugesera FC vs AS Muhanga: Refereeing Oversight Leads to Disciplinary Sanctions
Following an in-depth assessment of the match held on October 25, 2025, at Bugesera Stadium, the Commission identified major officiating errors that significantly impacted the outcome.
In the 20th minute, AS Muhanga goalkeeper Hategekimana Bonheur handled the ball outside the penalty area, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity an infringement that, by regulation, warrants a direct free kick and a red card. However, match officials failed to penalize the offense.
Controversial Moment! In the 20th minute, AS Muhanga goalkeeper Hategekimana Bonheur handled the ball outside the box — a clear red card offense — but the officials let play continue
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Later, in the first half added time (45+1 minute), the ball struck the referee during play, an occurrence that should have prompted an immediate stoppage and restart in accordance with the Laws of the Game. Instead, play continued, resulting in a goal for AS Muhanga.
After evaluating the referee’s performance and the match commissioner’s report, the Commission imposed a five-week suspension on referee Kwizera Olivier for critical officiating mistakes. Assistant referee Mbonigena Seraphin was handed a four-week suspension for failing to assist in identifying the goalkeeper’s handball incident, which fell within his responsibilities.
Kiyovu SC vs APR FC: Refereeing Found to Be Correct
The Commission also reviewed a formal complaint submitted by APR FC on October 27, 2025, regarding officiating in their 1–1 draw against Kiyovu SC on October 25, 2025.
After analyzing the full match footage, the Commission concluded that the referee made accurate and fair decisions throughout the game. Consequently, the complaint was dismissed, with the Commission confirming that the officiating team performed within the expected professional standards.
Rayon Sports FC vs Amagaju FC: Red Card Decision Upheld
In another review, Amagaju FC had contested the red card shown to their player Rwema Amza (No. 27) during their October 24, 2025, fixture against Rayon Sports FC at Kigali Pele Stadium. The club argued that no foul had been committed in the 23rd minute incident.
Upon reviewing match footage and the official reports, the Commission ruled that the referee had a clear line of sight and made a correct decision based on proximity and viewing angle. The red card decision was therefore upheld as valid and in accordance with the rules of the game.
The Commission emphasized that all evaluations are grounded in the 2019 FIFA Laws of the Game, as well as official match commissioner reports and available video evidence. Detailed explanations for each verdict have been formally shared with the concerned referees and clubs.
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