The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has announced that footballers competing in its competitions will undergo unannounced anti-doping tests starting from the 2026/27 season, as part of broader reforms aimed at protecting players’ health and strengthening the integrity of the game.
The decision was among three key resolutions adopted by the FERWAFA Executive Committee during its latest meeting.
In a statement, the federation said players will be subjected to random health screenings to detect the use of prohibited performance-enhancing drugs and narcotic substances. The initiative is intended to promote fair competition, improve the quality of domestic football, and safeguard the wellbeing of players.
The move brings Rwandan football in line with international anti-doping standards, where athletes found guilty of using banned substances face stiff penalties. Several high-profile footballers have been sanctioned in recent years, including Paul Pogba, whose initial four-year ban was later reduced to 18 months, Mykhailo Mudryk, who received a four-year suspension, and André Onana, who previously served a one-year ban.
The Executive Committee also approved club registration fees for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons.
In the men’s competitions, clubs joining the BK Pro League will pay RWF 2 million, while registration for the second division, third division and the Peace Cup has been set at RWF 500,000.
For women’s football, clubs in the Women’s Super League will pay RWF 500,000, second division clubs RWF 200,000, third division clubs RWF 100,000, and teams entering the Women’s Peace Cup RWF 200,000.
In addition, FERWAFA announced plans to modernize its brand identity by redesigning its official logo, competition logos, trophies for federation-organized tournaments, and the kits worn by Rwanda’s national teams across all age categories.
The federation said the rebranding exercise will be conducted through a public talent competition, giving local creatives an opportunity to contribute to the future visual identity of Rwandan football.
