Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Fabrice Shema has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing an “integrity issue” connected to his personality.
Shema announced his resignation in a letter dated 29 September 2026 and addressed to members of the FERWAFA General Assembly.
In the letter, Shema said he believed stepping down was the “most responsible course of action” in order to protect the credibility of the federation and allow the relevant processes to proceed independently.
“I hereby submit my resignation from my position as President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), with immediate effect,” Shema wrote.
“This decision follows the integrity issue that has arisen in connection with my personality.”
Shema, however, stressed that his decision to resign should not be interpreted beyond facts that may be established through the appropriate procedures.
He said his departure was intended to uphold public confidence in the federation while avoiding any potential distraction from the processes surrounding the matter.
The FERWAFA president also reaffirmed his commitment to accountability, transparency and good governance in Rwandan football.
Shema was elected president of FERWAFA in August 2025, taking charge of the country’s football governing body.
In his resignation letter, he thanked the General Assembly, Executive Committee, FERWAFA staff, partners, supporters and fans, as well as the Amavubi, Rwanda’s men’s national team, for their cooperation during his tenure.
“It has been an honour to serve Rwandan football,” he concluded.
The letter was copied to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, CAF president Patrice Motsepe and CECAFA president Wallace Karia, formally notifying the continental and regional football authorities of his resignation.
Shema also indicated that he would support the handover of responsibilities to ensure continuity in the federation’s operations.
His resignation brings an abrupt end to a presidency that began only in August 2025, with FERWAFA now expected to put arrangements in place for the transition of leadership.
The specific nature of the “integrity issue” referred to in Shema’s letter was not detailed in the resignation statement. Shema said the matter should be understood through the relevant procedures and facts established through those processes.
