A Player In Rwanda Premier League Accused Of Performing Witchcraft During Match
Dec 29, 2016 at 11:18 AM
African football chiefs have banned witchcraft due to concerns players are using it during matches to gain an unfair advantage.
In one of the craziest stories of 2016 – and there have been plenty of them – the African FA has decided to act following a bizarre incident in a recent Rwandan Premier League game.
Mukura Victory were beating Rayon Sports by a goal to nil when Rayon striker Moussa Camara apparently performed a ritual during the match. Then, moments later, he went on to score an equaliser.
Pretty spooky stuff.
Scroll to watch the video.
WITCHCRAFT
The video begins with Camara missing an opportunity to score, his header hitting the crossbar. Moments later he sprints to the opposing goal and appears to pick something up from next to the post before handing it to someone on the sidelines.
This is where the controversy comes in. As the game restarts, Camara scores for Rayon Sports.
PLAYERS AND TEAMS WILL BE PUNISHED IN FUTURE
Did Camara gain an advantage by ‘casting a spell’ on Mukura’s goal? Who knows, but the Rwandan FA have decided to act.
According to the Mirror, any player seen to take part in witchcraft will be fined 100,000 Rwandan Francs, which equates to around £99.
If the club is involved then they face a 2.9 million RWF fine (roughly £2,890) and will be deducted three points.
NO PROOF THAT WITCHCRAFT INFLUENCES OUTCOME OF MATCHES
Vedaste 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.”
Former Rwandan international Jimmy Mulisa 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.”