Rwanda’s football powerhouse Rayon Sports has been banned by FIFA from registering new players after failing to clear outstanding payments owed to former coach Roberto Oliveira Gonçalves do Carmo Junior.
In a letter dated 9 October, FIFA’s disciplinary chief Américo Espallargas confirmed the decision, saying the club had not complied with a previous ruling ordering payment to the Brazilian coach.
“The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum of three consecutive registration periods,” FIFA said in its notice to the club and to the Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA).
FIFA directed FERWAFA to enforce the sanction nationally if it has not already done so.
The dispute traces back to Oliveira’s stint with Rayon Sports, which ended amid claims of unpaid wages and contractual breaches. The coach later took his case to FIFA, which ruled in his favour.
The decision adds to Rayon’s off-field troubles. The club, already grappling with management problems and financial uncertainty, has not issued any official statement about the ban.
Despite the setback, Rayon Sports are set to face Rutsiro FC this weekend in the National Football League. While the restriction will not affect the current squad, it blocks any new signings until the debt is settled.
For a club long regarded as a pillar of Rwandan football, the ruling is another reminder of how financial mismanagement can threaten progress on and off the pitch.
