Rabat, Morocco – AS FAR are preparing to lodge a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their 1-1 draw against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The complaint centers around incidents during the match at Cairo International Stadium, raising questions about the officiating and alleged unsportsmanlike conduct from the Egyptian side. This development comes as AS FAR secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League, needing only a point to advance from Group B.
The Moroccan club, already signaling their intent to approach the tournament with a “game-by-game” mindset, according to CAF Online, now finds itself embroiled in controversy following the hard-fought draw. While Al Ahly had already secured their qualification to the quarter-finals, the match held significance for AS FAR, who needed a positive result to guarantee progression. The complaint suggests the club believes external factors may have influenced the outcome of the match, potentially impacting fair play.
Details surrounding the specific incidents prompting the complaint remain somewhat limited at this time, but reports indicate concerns over refereeing decisions and alleged attempts to disrupt AS FAR’s players. The club is expected to present evidence to CAF supporting their claims, seeking a thorough investigation into the matter. The timing of the complaint is crucial, as CAF will need to review the evidence and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted before the quarter-final stage begins.
The match itself was a tense affair, with Al Ahly salvaging a draw in a “thrilling, high-intensity atmosphere,” as described by beIN SPORTS. The result saw Al Ahly reach four points, sharing the lead with Young Africans, while AS FAR and JS Kabylie remained on one point each before AS FAR’s recent win against Young Africans on February 7, 2026, securing their advancement. The game highlighted the competitive nature of Group B, which also included Tanzanian giants Young Africans and two-time African champions JS Kabylie.
AS FAR coach Alexandre Dos Santos had previously emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the group stage, framing it as a “sprint of six decisive fixtures.” He acknowledged the challenge posed by Al Ahly, Young Africans and JS Kabylie, stating that each match would be a “high-level” contest. This latest development suggests that the club believes those challenges extended beyond the field of play.
The complaint filed with CAF could have broader implications for the tournament, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of officiating and a renewed emphasis on fair play. CAF has a responsibility to ensure the integrity of its competitions, and a swift and transparent investigation into AS FAR’s allegations will be critical. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for future disputes and reinforce the importance of upholding the highest standards of conduct in African football.
Looking ahead, AS FAR will now turn their attention to preparing for the quarter-finals, aiming to build on their successful group stage campaign. The club will be hoping to put the controversy behind them and focus on their on-field performance. The draw for the quarter-finals is expected to take place in the coming weeks, determining AS FAR’s next opponent in the pursuit of continental glory.
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