Rwanda Football officials were forced to take action after black magic was allegedly used during a Rwandan Premier League between Mukura Victory and Rayon Sports.
In the game Mukura’s striker Moussa Camara whose team was down 1-0 was seen plucking something out from the opponent’s goalpost.
He was forced to flee back to the dugout to avoid a near-lynching, and whatever he picked out of the goal was handed over for safekeeping to a substitute. And it appeared to work: Camara went on to head a cross home into the Mukura net seven minutes into injury time, forcing a share of the points. The game ended 1-1.
The forward’s antics, however, will not be tolerated in the future. In what must be a first for world football, the Rwandan Football Federation have amended local regulations making it illegal for players to “show suspicions of witchcraft.
It has decided to fine any player seen to take part in witchcraft, with a 100,000 Rwandan Francs fine equivalent to around N57,000. If a club has been involved they will lose three points and face a fine of 2.9million RWF (about N1.6m). .
Vedasite Kayiranga, vice president of the Rwanda FA said: “In FERWAFA (Federation of Rwanda Football Association) statutes we don’t have any law punishing the use of witchcraft because there is nowhere in the world where it has been proven that it can influence the outcome of a game.
However, with the violence between players because of allegations that one team is using it, we have decided to enact laws.” Jimmy Mulisa, former Rwandan international added: “It is sad that we still have such beliefs in our football, it does not only give a bad image to the country but kills football development.
I think [the FA] should take serious measures against such behaviour. Personally, I don’t believe in it, and I had to cut short my playing career because many teams I played for believed in witchcraft which I didn’t.”
Watch the video of the encounter below:
