Witchcraft banned from African football matches as strange happenings freak out players and officals
A player during a recent Rwandan match seemed to perform a mid-game ritual, was booked and within seconds he had scored
FOOTBALL chiefs in Africa have been forced to ban players performing witchcraft - as there are fears it is used to gain an unfair advantage during games.
Earlier this month, in a match in the Rwandan Premier League between Mukura Victory and Rayon Sports, a player looked to perform a mid-game ritual on the goalpost - and had scored within seconds.
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In creepy footage captured, Mukura striker Moussa Camara, whose team was losing 1-0 at the time, hits the woodwork and then rushed to the goal and seems to lean a small object against the post.
Camara is then chased away by an angry Rayon Sports goalkeeper and a number of yellow-clad opponents, before the referee books him.
But just minutes later, Camara scores, pulling his team back level with a towering header sparking wild celebrations from the forward in the match which ended 1-1.
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This is one of many examples that have the country's FA's to act, deciding to fine any player seen to take part in witchcraft 100,000 Rwandan Francs - equivalent to around £99.
And if a club has been involved they will lose three points and face a fine of 2.9million RWF, about £2,890.
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."