The vice-president of Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB), Jean de Dieu Bagirishya has been arrested over forgery two days after the country's women volleyball team was disqualified from a Confederation of African Volleyball tournament that Rwanda was hosting. Rwanda's women volleyball side was disqualified from the tournament by the world volleyball governing body over fielding ineligible players.
Bagirishya who's also a local sports journalist still hasn't commented on the allegations against him. The official can now be held in custody for up to 5 days as investigations carry on before the case is finally handed to state prosecutors who will decide to press charges or release him.
Rwanda was set to play the last game in Group A against Senegal, but the game was suspended following a complaint filed by Nigeria, which challenged the nationality of players who featured in the side. The four players - Aline Siqueira, Apolinario Caroline Taina, Mariana Da Silva and Moreira Bianca Gomes - were all making their international debut for Rwanda at the tournament. This was accepted by the African Volleyball Federation (CAVB), meaning the players in question were suspended as well as the Rwandan Volleyball Federation.
The hosts, who had secured a spot in the semi-finals, had all their results so far wiped and lost them all by forfeit. According to Rwandan publication Times Sport, the Ministry of Sports took over the organisation of the Championship after the Federation was suspended. FIVB insisted on Rwanda being banned from the competition despite protests from the team. According to article 2.4.1 of the FIVB Sports Regulations, a player’s Federation of Origin is the first federation to issue a national license or otherwise register the player within its federation, which was not done in the case of the players in question.
The rule indicates that a player for the national team must have registered to play for a club, team, school or any other volleyball entity that is affiliated either directly or indirectly within the Federation. This was not the case for the Rwandan players. In the event that a national team fields an ineligible player, Article 12.2 of the FIVB Disciplinary regulations applies.