CAF disciplinary panel holds intense hearing over Al Ahly and AS FAR crowd trouble

An intense disciplinary hearing at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has brought fresh scrutiny to the chaotic scenes that marred the recent Champions League encounter between Al Ahly SC and AS FAR, as officials moved closer to delivering a decisive ruling on the controversial incidents.

According to reports from Qatari outlet WinWin, the session lasted approximately 40 minutes and involved five members of CAF’s Disciplinary Committee under the leadership of Othman Kane.

Representatives from both clubs were present as the panel examined competing claims surrounding crowd disturbances, security arrangements and on-field tensions during the fixture.

AS FAR’s delegation reportedly relied on previously submitted complaints, choosing not to introduce additional requests during the proceedings.

Instead, club officials presented six video recordings intended to demonstrate organisational shortcomings and alleged security concerns affecting both players and supporters inside the stadium.

Central to the discussions was whether confrontations between players on the pitch contributed to unrest in the stands.

Committee members also questioned AS FAR officials over disciplinary incidents during the match, including the simultaneous booking of four players, while the referee’s report referenced unsporting protests from individuals associated with both teams.

The hearing extended beyond on-field matters, with detailed examination of stadium security operations, player safety protocols and the delayed movement of both squads toward their dressing rooms. Particular attention was given to organisational issues within the section occupied by Moroccan supporters, including banners displayed in designated seating areas.

In response, Al Ahly officials rejected allegations of security failures, citing official match documentation. The Egyptian club relied heavily on the referee’s report, which reportedly stated that no security incident disrupted the match during regulation time.

Additional observations from the Libyan match commissioner were also referenced, suggesting that tensions originated in the stands before halftime.

Notably, AS FAR representatives were not presented with Al Ahly’s separate complaint after it emerged that the submission had been directed to CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba rather than the Disciplinary Committee and lacked the required administrative confirmation.

CAF had earlier sought clarifications from the Moroccan side following inconsistencies across official reports. With both clubs filing complaints against each other, Thursday’s hearing became a necessary step toward establishing accountability.

The African football community now awaits the committee’s final verdict, with the Champions League quarter-finals fast approaching in mid-March, increasing pressure on CAF to resolve the matter swiftly before the competition enters its decisive phase.