April 7 – Jérémie Manirakiza, the secretary general of the Burundi Football Federation (FFB), has been arrested at Bujumbura airport by intelligence services. He was been detained for his alleged support for the rebel military group M23.
Sportnewsafrica reports the arrest of Manirakiza (pictured right) for his alleged support for the rebel group that is operating with Rwandese backing on the territory of DR Congo.
The FFB secretary general allegedly wanted the M23 to do the same in Burundi to oust the President of the Republic, Evariste Ndayishimiye. It’s understood that Manirakiza remains in custody.
Established in 1948, the FFB became affiliated with both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1972.
Earlier this year, Muyenge Alexandre became the federation’s president. In World Cup qualifying, Burundi are third in Group F on ten points, behind leaders Ivory Coast and Gabon.
The Burundi Football Federation has been contacted for comment.
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