Rwanda FA president Fabrice Shema resigns after integrity concerns

Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Fabrice Shema Ngoga has resigned from his position with immediate effect, just over a year after being elected to lead the country's football governing body.

Shema announced his resignation in a letter dated 29 September 2026 and addressed to the FERWAFA General Assembly.

In the letter, Shema said his decision followed an "integrity issue" connected to his person and was intended to protect the credibility of the federation while allowing relevant processes to continue independently.

"I hereby submit my resignation from my position as President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), with immediate effect," Shema wrote.

He added that stepping down was "the most responsible course of action" to protect public confidence in the federation and avoid distractions while the matter was being dealt with through the appropriate procedures.

Shema also stressed that his resignation should not be interpreted beyond the facts established through those procedures.

"I remain committed to the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance in Rwandan football," he said.

The FERWAFA president also pledged to support the handover of responsibilities to ensure continuity in the federation's work.

Resignation follows legal case
Shema's departure comes days after a court case in Rwanda that had raised questions about his future as FERWAFA president.

The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court approved a plea agreement involving Shema over allegations relating to the issuance of two bounced cheques and obtaining another person's property through fraudulent means.

Under the agreement, Shema received a six-month prison sentence suspended for one year and was fined Rwf3 million. He was subsequently released.

The legal proceedings stemmed from Shema's private business activities and not from his role at FERWAFA. Rwandan media had reported that the case had created uncertainty over whether he could continue in office, with questions surrounding the interpretation of the federation's regulations.

His resignation now brings an abrupt end to his tenure, which had been expected to run for four years.

• Shema elected in August 2025

Shema was elected FERWAFA president on 30 August 2025 after standing as the sole candidate for the position.

He received 51 of the 53 votes cast at the federation's Annual Ordinary General Assembly in Kigali, replacing Alphonse Munyantwali. FIFA confirmed his election and described him as the newly elected president in September 2025.

Before taking charge of FERWAFA, Shema had been president of Rwandan Premier League club AS Kigali since 2019.

His election was accompanied by ambitions to strengthen football development in Rwanda, including grassroots development and the competitiveness of the country's domestic game.

He also met FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Rabat shortly after his election to discuss Rwanda's football development agenda and cooperation between FIFA and FERWAFA.

• FERWAFA faces leadership transition

Shema's resignation leaves FERWAFA facing another leadership transition less than 14 months into the executive committee's four-year mandate.

In his resignation letter, Shema thanked the General Assembly, Executive Committee, FERWAFA staff, partners, supporters, fans, the Amavubi national team and other stakeholders for their support during his tenure.

He concluded by saying it had been an honour to serve Rwandan football.

The federation has yet to publicly announce who will take over the presidency on an interim basis or when a new election will be held.

As of its latest publicly available organisational information, FERWAFA lists Shema as president, while FIFA and CAF also previously listed him in the role.

His resignation therefore marks a significant change at the top of Rwandan football, coming after a turbulent period that has seen his legal situation become a major issue for the federation.