Referees officiating in Rwanda’s top-flight football league will receive Rwf130,000 per match from the 2026/27 season, following a Rwf30,000 increase approved by Rwanda Premier League clubs.
The new allowance brings the amount paid to referees from Rwf100,000 to Rwf130,000 per match. The Rwf100,000 allowance had been introduced by FERWAFA in September 2025, doubling the previous Rwf47,000 payment.
The latest increase was approved during a general meeting of Rwanda Premier League members as part of measures aimed at improving the working conditions of match officials.
Referees and match commissioners will collectively receive Rwf46 million in allowances during the 2026/27 season.
The league has also introduced changes to reduce the travel burden on referees assigned to matches in distant locations.
Referees travelling from Kigali to officiate matches in Rusizi or Rubavu will be able to travel a day before the match and spend the night at their destination, rather than travelling on match day.
The measures come as the Rwanda Premier League continues efforts to professionalise the country’s top-flight competition. The league has recently expanded its use of technology and performance data, including a multi-year agreement with Hudl that gives BK Pro League matches, players and clubs greater international visibility.
Referees are a key part of the league’s competition structure, with the official Rwanda Premier League currently listing match officials across centre referees, assistants and commissioners.
The increased allowance will apply throughout the 2026/27 Rwanda Premier League season.
