GLOBAL – The world football governing body, FIFA, has imposed a three-match ban and a significant fine on Burundi international Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana for a dangerous foul that injured Harambee Stars goalkeeper Brian Bwire. The disciplinary action stems from an incident during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Burundi on Thursday, 9 October 2025, at the Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura.

In a decision announced in its latest Disciplinary Overview published in November 2025, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found Bimenyimana guilty of “serious foul play.” The committee issued a total suspension of three matches, which includes the automatic one-match ban Bimenyimana served in Burundi’s subsequent qualifier against Gabon. Alongside the ban, the striker, who plays for Jeddah SC in Saudi Arabia, was fined CHF 5,000 (approximately KSh 802,000). FIFA’s ruling cited a breach of Article 14.1.e of its Disciplinary Code, which pertains to “Unsporting behaviour towards an opponent or a person other than a match official.”

The Challenge and Its Immediate Aftermath

The incident occurred just two minutes into the highly anticipated East African derby. As a cross came into the Kenyan penalty area, Bimenyimana, a former striker for South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs, lunged for the ball with a high boot, connecting directly with the face of the onrushing Bwire. The impact left the Polokwane City goalkeeper motionless on the ground, prompting immediate and urgent calls for medical attention from Kenyan players.

Medical staff attended to Bwire for nearly five minutes on the pitch before he was stretchered off, visibly injured. Gor Mahia’s Bryne Omondi was brought on as his replacement. The Zambian referee, Hillary Hambaba, showed Bimenyimana a straight red card for the challenge, reducing Burundi to ten men for the remainder of the match. Kenya went on to win the tense encounter 1-0, courtesy of a second-half goal from substitute Ryan Ogam.

Condemnation and the Impact on Kenya

Following the match, Harambee Stars Head Coach Benni McCarthy strongly condemned the tackle, describing it as reckless and dangerous. “In the first minute, your goalkeeper is already receiving medical attention for a five-inch cut above his eye; that's very dangerous,” McCarthy stated in his post-match press conference on 9 October 2025. “As a striker, yes, you go for the ball, but when you see you can't win it, why still put your foot there? You don't endanger the goalkeeper like that.”

The coach noted that the early injury and loss of his starting goalkeeper disrupted the team's rhythm and forced the players to be more cautious, impacting their overall performance despite the numerical advantage. The incident cast a pall over a crucial qualifying match and raised serious questions about player protection in high-stakes international fixtures.

Bwire’s Recovery and Return

Brian Bwire, who has established himself as a key player for both his club in the South African Premier Soccer League and the Kenyan national team, suffered a deep laceration above his eye. After the initial fears, reports confirmed the injury was not career-threatening. Following a period of recovery, Bwire made a full return to action for Polokwane City. In a testament to his resilience and importance to the national setup, Coach McCarthy included Bwire in the Harambee Stars squad for the November 2025 international window for matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal, confirming his fitness and readiness to represent the country once more.

A Clear Stance on Player Safety

FIFA’s decisive action against Bimenyimana is being interpreted as a clear message against overly aggressive and dangerous play. The severity of the ban and the accompanying fine underscore the governing body's commitment to protecting players from harm. While the Burundi Football Federation and the player had reportedly lodged an appeal against the initial sanction, the final disciplinary overview confirms the punishment stands, setting a stern precedent for conduct in all FIFA-sanctioned competitions. The ruling reinforces that while football is a contact sport, actions that recklessly endanger the safety of an opponent will face severe consequences, ensuring that the physical integrity of athletes remains a top priority.