The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has suspended the referee who disallowed APR FC’s goal in their match against Al Merrikh for four matches.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, APR FC hosted Al-Merrikh SC in a matchday 15 fixture of the Rwanda Premier League at Amahoro Stadium.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but in the 88th minute the Army team had scored a goal through Dauda Yussif from outside the penalty area; however, the assistant referee disallowed it, claiming there had been an offside.
Following this, APR FC supporters strongly expressed their dissatisfaction with the refereeing after their goal was disallowed, and the club’s management immediately filed a complaint, stating that they had been treated unfairly.
FERWAFA has now announced that the actions of the second assistant referee constituted a serious mistake, as the goal was disallowed based on an incorrect decision that there had been an offside.
The federation stated that due to this error, the Referees Commission imposed sanctions on Jabo Aristote, suspending him from officiating four matches. FERWAFA also said it will continue to strive for justice, integrity, and the improvement of refereeing standards in Rwandan football.
