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Rwanda Football officials arrested over referee bribery allegations

Regis Francois Uwayezu of the Rwanda Football Federation Rwanda Football Federation

Two members of the Rwanda Football Federation have been detained following allegations of the attempted bribery of the match officials who handled the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Rwanda and Ivory Coast on September 9 in Kigali.

Namibian referee Jackson Pavaza alleged that FERWAFA officials tried to bribe him, but the federation was quick to deny the allegations in a communication on September 13.

However, FERWAFA Communications Manager Bonnie Mugabe has informed KweséESPN that General Secretary Regis Francois Uwayezu and Commissioner of Competitions Eric Ruhamiriza have been detained since Wednesday.

"The two are under investigation by the Rwanda Investigative Bureau," Mugabe began, "they were taken yesterday.

"More information will be released by the Rwanda Investigative Bureau."

The 35-year old Uwayezu was only appointed General Secretary in May this year.

Pavaza made the bribery allegations on September 11, as per the Namibian Sun, where he claimed that Rwandan officials attempted to bribe him and his fellow referees - David Shaanika, Shoovaleka Nehemia and Matheus Kanyanga.

On Wednesday, a statement from the Rwandan federation explained the situation as a mix up regarding the payment of expenses incurred by the quartet.

Rwanda were defeated 2-1 by the Ivory Coast, and remain bottom of AFCON qualifying Group H.