CAF slaps RS Berkane star Hamza Moussaoui with two-year ban

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly slapped RS Berkane star Hamza Moussaoui with a two-year ban for doping violation.

According to sources, Moussaoui has been banned from all sporting activities after testing positive for prohibited substances, with the decision taking immediate effect.

The ruling comes at a critical time for Berkane, who have just secured a dramatic place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.

“The player has been suspended for two years due to the use of prohibited substances, and the club has already been notified,” the source revealed.

The timing of the sanction adds a layer of controversy to Berkane’s recent qualification, which came in dramatic fashion against Al-Hilal SC. The Moroccan side snatched a last-gasp 1-0 victory to progress, after the first leg had ended 1-1 at the Municipal Stadium of Berkane.

However, the fallout has been swift. Al-Hilal have already lodged a formal protest with CAF, questioning the legality of Moussaoui’s participation in the tie. The Sudanese club has gone further, issuing a deadline to CAF and threatening to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary.

The situation now threatens to overshadow what had been a historic achievement for Berkane. In their debut campaign in the Champions League, the Moroccan outfit had defied expectations to reach the semi-finals, where they are set to face AS FAR, who eliminated Pyramids FC.

This developing saga raises serious questions about compliance, regulation, and the integrity of the competition. Should Al-Hilal’s protest gain traction, the consequences could be far-reaching—not only for the player but potentially for Berkane’s continental campaign.

For now, CAF’s decision stands, but the controversy is far from over. With legal threats looming and tensions escalating, this story could take another dramatic turn in the coming days, casting a shadow over one of Africa’s premier club competitions.