Rwanda’s football governing body, the Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa), has announced plans to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology during the second round of the 2025/2026 Premier League season, marking a major milestone in efforts to restore fairness, transparency, and credibility to the league.
The decision comes after growing frustration over poor refereeing, corruption allegations, and match-fixing claims that have long undermined the league’s integrity. Fans and clubs have repeatedly raised concerns about game-changing errors, prompting the new Ferwafa leadership under Fabrice Shema to take decisive action.
Recent seasons have been marred by officiating controversies, including disallowed goals and questionable penalties in high-profile matches such as Rayon Sports vs Gasogi United and APR FC vs Mukura Victory Sports. Several referees, including Emmanuel Habumugisha and Claude Ishimwe, were suspended, while others were banned for alleged match-fixing.
Shema said the introduction of VAR will help minimize human error and rebuild public confidence in match outcomes. The system, which uses video footage to review key decisions such as goals, red cards, and penalties, has already been installed at Amahoro Stadium and will be tested before full rollout in 2026.
Rwanda will join countries like Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa that already use VAR in domestic leagues. Officials say the technology will promote professionalism, protect referees from undue criticism, and align Rwandan football with international standards.
Ferwafa has also doubled match allowances for referees and is reviewing officiating regulations to improve integrity and accountability. Training programs for local referees on VAR operation are underway, ensuring they are equipped to handle the new system.
The introduction of VAR represents more than just a technological upgrade—it signals Rwanda’s broader ambition to modernize and professionalize its football ecosystem. If successful, it could restore fans’ trust, enhance fair play, and position Rwanda among Africa’s most progressive football nations.