The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a statement on its official website, in response to the request of the Egyptian Football Association and Al-Ahly Club to host the African Champions League final.
and compete Al Ahly Algeria’s ES Setif, Morocco’s Wydad and Petro Atlético in the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
CAF had announced the holding of the CAF Champions League final, on May 30, at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, which Al-Ahly objected to in an official statement as a matter that violates justice and the principle of equal opportunities among the four clubs competing in the semi-finals. for the championship.
Al-Ahly’s objection based on Morocco hosting the final for the second year in a rowAs a particular club has become the only beneficiary of the CAF decision, and it plays the final if it qualifies at its home and among its fans, and this is inconsistent with the rules of fair play.
“Kaf” stated on its official website: “Kaf received a letter from the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports indicating the request of the Egyptian Football Association and Al-Ahly to host the final of the African Champions League.”
He added: “Kaf appreciates and fully understands the complaints and concerns raised by Al-Ahly Club and the Egyptian Football Association, and is committed to the principles of fairness, justice and equality between all member clubs and federations.”
He continued: “However, CAF was obligated to abide by and implement the decision made by the previous CAF leadership in July 2019 that the CAF Champions League final would be a one-legged final instead of the usual home and away final.”
“Furthermore, CAF is also bound by the CAF and FIFA rules that do not allow the rules of the competition to be changed once the competition has started,” he stressed.
He explained, “Morocco and Senegal were the only countries that met the criteria of the host country, after Kef asked the 54 member federations to submit offers to host the Champions League final, and Egypt did not make an attempt.”
He continued: “South Africa and Nigeria submitted documents expressing their interest in hosting the CAF Champions League final, but they did not meet the host country’s criteria for bidding.”
He continued: “Egypt submitted an offer to host the Confederation Cup final, but it did not meet the criteria of the host country, and the Confederation of African Football then awarded the CAF Champions League final to Morocco after Senegal withdrew its offer.”
And he concluded: “As we mentioned previously, discussions are currently underway within Kaf to play the final match in the home and away system instead of playing one match to determine the winner of the African Champions League.”