Rwanda football federation president Fabrice Shema Ngoga arrested over alleged bounced cheque

Rwanda football has been thrown into turmoil after Fabrice Shema Ngoga, president of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), was arrested in connection with a financial investigation.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) confirmed on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, that the football administrator had been taken into custody. The case concerns the alleged issuing of a cheque without sufficient funds, an offence subject to severe penalties under Rwanda’s criminal code.

According to RIB spokesperson Thierry B. Murangira, Shema Ngoga is being held at Kicukiro police station while investigators examine the matter.

The arrest brings uncertainty to the leadership of FERWAFA, less than a year after Shema Ngoga took charge of the country’s governing body. He assumed the presidency at the end of August 2025, succeeding Alphonse Munyantwali.

FERWAFA has not yet issued an official statement on the arrest or explained whether arrangements will be made for an interim president. The investigation remains under the direction of the RIB, with the case potentially being transferred to the public prosecutor’s office once the investigative process is complete.

Shema Ngoga’s detention has caused shock within Rwandan football because of his position at the head of the federation and his profile in the domestic game. Before becoming FERWAFA president, he was the prominent former president of AS Kigali and was also known as an established businessman.

His election in 2025 had raised expectations that he would help modernise and professionalise football in Rwanda. Those hopes now face disruption as the authorities continue to investigate the financial allegations against him.

The RIB’s confirmation means the matter has moved beyond speculation, but no final finding has been announced. Shema Ngoga remains the subject of an investigation into the alleged use of a cheque that could not be honoured.

Further decisions about the federation’s administration are expected to depend on the progress of the RIB inquiry and any subsequent action by the prosecution authorities. For now, the governing body has provided no public information about how its day-to-day leadership will be managed during the president’s detention.