In a statement issued on Friday, FERWABA said the decision followed the receipt and consideration of letters of apology submitted by APR Basketball Club, Habimana and Mpoyo, as well as a meeting held between the federation and the club on July 8.
'The Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) wishes to inform the public that… it has resolved to accept the apologies and lift, with immediate effect, the disciplinary suspension previously imposed on Mr. Ntore Habimana and Mr. Mpoyo Axel Olenga,' the statement reads.
The federation said it also took into account the corrective measures implemented by APR Basketball Club and the players' renewed commitment to honour national team call-ups and faithfully discharge their duties whenever selected.
FERWABA reiterated that representing Rwanda is a privilege that requires patriotism, discipline and an unwavering commitment to putting national interests first.
The suspension was imposed on June 22 after the federation accused the two players of failing to honour a national team call-up ahead of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in Luanda, Angola.
At the time, FERWABA said APR had confirmed the players would report to the national team camp, but they did not participate as expected, leading to disciplinary action under resolutions adopted during the federation's November 2025 General Assembly. The resolutions stipulate that players selected for national duty who fail to honour official call-ups face a one-year suspension from all basketball activities.
The decision sparked a dispute between the federation and APR Basketball Club.
Habimana and Mpoyo maintained that they had reported to the national team camp but were unable to immediately take part in training because they were recovering from injuries sustained during the Basketball Africa League (BAL) season. APR also defended the players, arguing that the club had submitted medical reports and that the matter resulted from a misunderstanding that could have been resolved through dialogue.
The club later appealed the sanctions and submitted letters of apology, while FERWABA convened a meeting with APR on July 8 to discuss the matter.
With the suspension now lifted, Habimana and Mpoyo are immediately eligible to return to competitive basketball, including representing both APR Basketball Club and the Rwanda national team when called upon.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/ferwaba-lifts-one-year-suspension-on-ntore-mpoyo/
