Rwandan international referees Twagirumukiza Abdul Karim and Ishimwe Jean Claude, popularly known as Cucuri, have failed the fitness test required for referees seeking to continue officiating at international level.
The fitness assessment is conducted ahead of the new football season to determine whether referees meet the physical standards required to handle international matches.
Twagirumukiza and Ishimwe are among the 18 Rwandan referees included on FIFA’s international list for 2026, with both serving as central referees.
Twagirumukiza has been on the international scene for more than a decade, having been listed by FIFA as an international referee since 2013.
Ishimwe, who has also built significant international experience, has held FIFA international referee status since 2015.
Their failure to pass the fitness test could affect their eligibility to officiate international matches until they meet the required physical standards.
