Al Ahly Take CAFCL Final Decision To CAS

Al Ahly have announced that they have taken the decision of the Confederation of African Football to host the CAF Champions League final in Morocco to the highest court in sport.

The reigning champions are shocked that the final was awarded to Morocco, which could be a huge advantage to Wydad Casablanca, should they make the final.

The Moroccan giants beat Petro de Luanda 3-1 away from home, while Al Ahly beat ES Setif 4-0, with both teams expected to meet in the final.

However, CAF have caused some controversy and serious protests around the continent after announcing on Monday this year’s final will again be held on Morocco – a decision which has reportedly even left CAF president Patrice Motsepe furious.

Al Ahly confirmed on Tuesday evening they will contest this decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest court available. 

“Al Ahly SC decided to present an appeal to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) against the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of not holding the 2022 CAF Champions League final in a neutral venue, aside from the venues of the four semi-finalists, in addition to other violations that do not meet the Olympic Charter, FIFA and CAF regulations,” the club announced.

“The club has previously demanded CAF to play the game in a neutral venue and will appeal against CAF’s decision, requesting CAS to resolve the situation before the competition’s final.

“CAF announced in their statement, which was published yesterday on CAF’s official platforms, the chosen venue to host the game and mentioned in the same statement that they are in discussions to revert to the old two-legged home and away final.

“Moreover, Al Ahly SC hopes that CAF will be keen not to disrupt justice and that they will provide CAS with all the required documents that will help in achieving justice.

“Al Ahly’s decision to appeal to CAS came after CAF took the decision to hold the CAF Champions League final in the same venue for the second season in a row. This decision will give a home advantage to a certain team that will play at home in front of their fans in addition to violating other laws and regulations.

“CAF stated that their decision was based on the fact that there was only one bidder available to host the match without giving a proper explanation over the reasons behind the withdrawal of the other bid.”

South Africa, Senegal and Morocco were said to be the three nations who made official bids for the final to CAF, SAFA later withdrew their bid after not receiving assurances from the government over 100% capacity amid the Covid-19 restrictions.

iDiski Times was informed at the time that Senegal’s new Dakar Arena were then pitted as favourites as a neutral venue with Wydad and Raja both still in the quarter-finals at the time. However, CAF announced that Senegal also withdrew, leaving Morocco as the only bidder.

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