Ibyimana Cofi
FERWAFA, the football governing body in Rwanda, has suspended Gorilla FC’s equipment manager, Olivier Ndatimana, after he was accused of displaying what was considered witchcraft-related behavior in football.
The decision was announced in a statement released by FERWAFA on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
According to the statement, the federation’s Ethics Committee sanctioned Olivier Ndatimana following misconduct during the first leg of the Peace Cup semi-final match between Gorilla FC and Rayon Sports FC.
FERWAFA stated that Ndatimana was handed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities and fined 500,000 Rwandan Francs.
“Due to conduct that violates FERWAFA’s code of ethics and disciplinary regulations, Olivier Ndatimana has been suspended from all football-related activities for a period of 12 months and fined five hundred thousand Rwandan Francs (500,000 Frw), to be paid within 90 days.”
Ndatimana’s punishment comes shortly after referee Nsengiyumva Jean Paul was also suspended for 12 months from officiating after kicking a player in the groin during a match in which Mukura Victory Sports lost 2-1 to Rutsiro FC.
Although incidents linked to alleged witchcraft in football are not new in Rwanda, this is one of the strongest actions FERWAFA has taken against such behavior in recent years.
Gorilla FC equipment manager Olivier Ndatimana has been suspended for 12 months by FERWAFA
RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
