FIFA slaps former Kaizer Chiefs striker with three-match ban

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana has been hit with a severe penalty by FIFA, receiving a three-match suspension and a significant fine following one of the quickest sending-offs in recent international football history.

The incident occurred during his last appearance for Burundi in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya last month.

Bimenyimana, who scored eight goals during his season-long stint at Naturena, was shown a straight red card by Zambian referee Hillary Hambaba just two minutes into the match.

The dismissal came after the forward attempted to meet a cross from the right, and his boots made contact with the face of Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire.

The World Cup qualifier ultimately ended in a 1-0 defeat for Benni McCarthy’s Kenya.

FIFA Adds Further Penalty To Former Kaizer Chiefs Striker

While the Burundian was automatically forced to sit out Burundi’s subsequent match against Gabon, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has now imposed a further penalty, extending his total suspension to three games.

The official Disciplinary Overview for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers classifies Bimenyimana’s offence under Article 14.1.e of the Disciplinary Code, relating to: ‘Misconduct of players and officials, Unsporting behaviour towards an opponent or a person other than a match official’.

The three-match suspension will be accompanied by a hefty fine of CHF 5000 (approximately R108,000).

The towering marksman now plies his trade for Jeddah SC in the Saudi second-tier league and will need to wait until his international ban is served before representing his country again.