Egyptian sports critic Khaled Bayoumi has stirred debate after sharply criticising the Confederation of African Football over the speed at which it issued an official statement following the events surrounding Al Ahly’s CAF Champions League clash against AS FAR.
Bayoumi argued that the rapid condemnation “raises suspicion,” noting that similar incidents involving Egyptian clubs in the past were not handled with the same urgency.
Confederation of African Football had earlier released a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as “unacceptable events” during the match between Al Ahly and AS FAR in the final round of the CAF Champions League group stage.
The encounter was played on Sunday evening at Cairo International Stadium.
CAF confirmed that the matter has been referred to its Disciplinary Committee to open an urgent investigation and take appropriate action in line with the regulations governing the competition.
However, Bayoumi questioned the decision to issue a condemnation before the release of detailed referee and match observer reports, stressing that fairness requires waiting for official documentation before announcing firm positions, particularly given the sensitivity and high-profile nature of such clashes.
The analyst also pointed to what he described as weak Egyptian administrative representation within continental and international football decision-making circles, calling for stronger presence and advocacy to better defend the interests of Egyptian clubs on the African stage.
Tensions further escalated after AS FAR announced that it had taken formal legal steps with CAF, demanding the application of the maximum penalties allowed under the regulations.
In a strongly worded statement, the Moroccan club claimed its delegation was subjected to threats and bottle-throwing incidents, which they said endangered the safety of players and technical staff.
The controversy began in the closing minutes of the first half when a scuffle broke out between players from both sides on the pitch, forcing the referee to intervene. The situation intensified after the halftime whistle, as unrest in the stands spilled over into a wider crisis fuelled by conflicting narratives from both camps.
While Moroccan media reported that some AS FAR players were assaulted while heading to the dressing rooms, Egyptian outlets spoke of mutual provocations and attempts to invade the pitch, arguing that these actions contributed to the escalation of tensions.
With the case now officially before the Disciplinary Committee, football circles across the continent are awaiting CAF’s final decision. Expectations are growing that sanctions could be imposed on multiple parties if violations are confirmed, amid increasing calls to restore order and safeguard the image of African competitions from incidents that go beyond the sporting framework.
