June 27, 2025, The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) convened its 2025 Governance and Compliance Workshop in Kigali, bringing together representatives of member clubs and key stakeholders to strengthen awareness, understanding, and implementation of the newly revised FERWAFA Statutes.
The workshop focused on aligning club operations with Rwanda’s updated legal framework governing non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as stipulated under Law n°058/2024 of 20/06/2024, and regulated by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
Addressing the participants, FERWAFA President Mr. Alphonse MUNYANTWALI emphasized the importance of the reform process:
“We are at a turning point in Rwandan football. These statutes are not just a legal formality — they are the foundation for how our clubs operate, how we uphold transparency, and how we earn the trust of our players, fans, and partners.”
The workshop featured presentations on the key changes in the new FERWAFA Statutes, providing practical guidance for clubs to remain compliant with Rwanda’s NGO law, which mandates increased accountability and structural alignment for non-profit sports entities.
“Football in Rwanda must be governed with the same seriousness as any other public interest sector,” said Mr. Alphonse Munyantwali. The FERWAFA President. “Compliance with national law is no longer optional. It is essential for club licensing, funding eligibility, and the long-term integrity of the sport.”
In addition to National legal compliance, the workshop addressed CAF and FERWAFA Licensing Standards, offering club administrators guidance on best practices for regulatory compliance, governance audits, and monitoring systems.
Participants also reviewed updates to the FERWAFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, including the introduction of a Training Compensation Scheme, procedures under the FIFA Legal Portal, and updates related to the FIFA Clearing House system, a digital platform intended to ensure financial transparency in player transfers globally.
President Munyantwali concluded with a call to action:
“We must build institutions that outlive us, institutions that are credible, modern, and fair. These new measures are not a burden but a bridge to a better future for Rwandan football.” FERWAFA pledged ongoing support to clubs during the transition period, including compliance clinics, legal guidance, and administrative training.
The workshop marks a significant milestone in FERWAFA’s commitment to institutional reform and sets the tone for a more professional and accountable football administration across Rwanda.