The Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) has lifted the one-year suspension imposed on APR BBC players Ntore Habimana and Axel Olenga Mpoyo after resolving a dispute over their failure to join the national team.
The two players had been barred from participating in basketball activities for one year after declining a call-up to the Rwanda national team, a decision that sparked discussions between FERWABA and their club.
In a statement released on Friday, July 10, 2026, FERWABA said the decision to withdraw the sanctions followed a meeting with APR BBC held on July 8 to review the disciplinary measures taken against the players.
The federation said it considered apology letters submitted by Ntore and Mpoyo, as well as discussions held with APR BBC management, before deciding to pardon the players and restore their eligibility to participate in basketball activities.
“After reviewing the players’ letters requesting forgiveness and consultations with the club’s leadership, it was decided to lift the sanctions imposed on Ntore Habimana and Axel Olenga Mpoyo,” FERWABA said.
The decision comes after APR BBC raised concerns over the suspension, arguing that the federation acted hastily by punishing the players without fully examining the reasons behind their failure to honour the national team invitation.
The club said the players had apologized to FERWABA and that it had made several attempts to engage the federation before the two sides finally reached an agreement that paved the way for the removal of the sanctions.
FERWABA had announced the suspension of the two APR BBC players on June 22, 2026, citing their refusal to respond to a national team call-up. The lifting of the ban now clears the way for Ntore and Mpoyo to resume competitive basketball.
