Rwanda has been excluded from the 2021 Women’s Volleyball African Nations Championship as the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) continues to investigate allegations that the hosts fielded ineligible players, APA can report, quoting a statement by the Sport Ministry in Kigali on Monday.
The statement said the suspension follows a complaint filed by Nigeria, challenging the nationality of players who featured for the Rwandan national side.
The four players in question are, right-attacking player Aline Siqueira, center court player Apolinario Caroline Taina, setter Mariana Da Silva and left-attacking player Moreira Bianca Gomes.
They were all making their debut for Rwanda in international volleyball.
The home side had qualified for the last four slot on Monday after beating Nigeria in straight sets to make it two wins in two games, having outclassed Morocco.
The complaint, according to the statement, was accepted by the African Volleyball Federation (CAVB), meaning that the players in question are suspended as well as the Rwandan Volleyball Federation (FRVB).
Furthermore, the host, who secured a place in the semi-finals, have forfeited all the matches played so far.
Rwanda however insisted that correct procedures were followed by fielding players whose nationality were called into question.
The Rwandans believe that CAVB while may suspend the players in question it should allow Rwanda to continue participating in the competition.
CU/as/APA