The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has suspended assistant referee Jabo Aristote for four matches after admitting an officiating error in the Rwanda Premier League game between APR FC and El Merrikh SC.
In a statement released on Monday evening, FERWAFA’s Refereeing Commission said a review of the match report and video footage confirmed that a legitimate APR FC goal was wrongly disallowed.
The incident occurred in the 88th minute of the match played on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Amahoro Stadium. APR FC’s Dauda Yussif Seidu scored with a low shot from outside the penalty area, but the goal was ruled out after the second assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
The match, part of the Rwanda Premier League, ended in a 0–0 draw, a result that drew criticism from APR FC supporters who argued the decision denied their team a late victory.
FERWAFA said the suspension of Jabo Aristote was taken in accordance with regulations governing refereeing and was intended to protect the integrity and professionalism of match officiating.
The federation emphasized that the decision was aimed at maintaining fairness and transparency in domestic competitions and warned that refereeing errors that affect match outcomes will continue to attract disciplinary measures.
FERWAFA also called on all referees to strictly adhere to professional standards to avoid mistakes that could alter the course of matches and undermine confidence in the game.
