The ruling means Bimenyimana will miss Burundi’s next three World Cup qualifying fixtures as the region gears up for a crucial phase of the campaign.
Burundi forward Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana has been suspended for three matches by FIFA following his reckless challenge on Harambee Stars goalkeeper Brian Bwire during last month’s 2026 World Cup qualifier. He has also been fined 5,000 Swiss Francs (approximately KSh802,265).
The striker, who plays for Jeddah SC in Saudi Arabia’s second division, was shown a straight red card in the opening minutes after his dangerous tackle left Bwire writhing in pain. The Kenyan goalkeeper had to be stretchered off, taken to hospital for assessment, and later returned to the sidelines as Kenya held on to win 1-0 through Ryan Ogam’s goal.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary report for the qualifiers, the 27-year-old was punished under Article 14.1(e) of the Disciplinary Code, which addresses “unsporting behaviour towards an opponent or a person other than a match official.”
The ruling means Bimenyimana will miss Burundi’s next three World Cup qualifying fixtures as the region gears up for a crucial phase of the campaign.