APR FC Cites Kinshasa Security Concerns as Champions League Exit Looms

Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club (APR FC or APR)  were drawn against Aigles du Congo in the first preliminary round of the competition. The first leg is currently scheduled to take place in Kinshasa between October 16 and 18, with the return leg scheduled for Kigali between October 23 and 25.

APR FC have reportedly warned that they could withdraw from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League if the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rejects their request to move both preliminary-round matches against Aigles du Congo to a neutral venue outside Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, APR FC have written to CAF requesting that both matches be played at a neutral venue in a third country, rather than in Kinshasa or Kigali.

The Rwandan champions are reportedly concerned about travelling to Kinshasa amid heightened political and security tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Following the draw, some Congolese voices on social media reportedly expressed strong reactions to the prospect of APR FC travelling to Kinshasa. Some comments warned that the Rwandan club could encounter serious difficulties if it played in the Congolese capital.

The reactions have added to concerns surrounding the fixture, particularly given the hostile rhetoric towards Rwanda that has emerged in parts of the DRC amid the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.

However, social media reactions should not be taken as representing the views of all Congolese supporters or the wider population. The central issue for CAF remains whether adequate security guarantees can be provided for the safe staging of the matches.

APR FC are therefore asking CAF to designate a neutral venue in a third country for both legs of the tie. The club has reportedly indicated that if this request is not accepted, it could choose not to participate in this year's CAF Champions League.

The potential withdrawal would be a major development for APR FC, who are seeking to make further progress in Africa's premier club competition. The Rwandan champions have yet to reach the Champions League group stage.

Last season, APR FC were eliminated in the second qualifying round by Egyptian side Pyramids FC.

If APR FC overcome Aigles du Congo, they will face the winner of the first-round tie between Djibouti's AS Port and Egyptian giants Zamalek SC in the second preliminary round.

The immediate focus, however, is on CAF's response to APR FC's request for a neutral venue. Its decision could determine whether the Rwandan champions continue their continental campaign or withdraw from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.