CAF under pressure as Senegalese and Sudanese complaints raise integrity concerns

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is facing renewed scrutiny as a series of disputes continues to cast doubt over the credibility of African football competitions.

From unresolved legal battles to fresh allegations of procedural irregularities, the organisation finds itself navigating one of its most challenging periods in recent years.

CAF has yet to fully move past the fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, a case that remains under review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Even as that situation lingers, a new controversy has emerged involving a Champions League clash between Al-Hilal SC and RS Berkane.

Growing Discontent Over Committee Procedures

Concerns have been raised by both the Senegalese Football Federation and Al-Hilal regarding how CAF’s internal committees have handled high-profile disciplinary cases. These complaints have sparked broader questions about the efficiency, transparency, and independence of decision-making structures within the organisation.

In response to the growing criticism, CAF recently indicated plans to review its regulatory framework and restructure key committees, a move seen as an attempt to restore confidence in its governance systems.

Al-Hilal’s Challenge and Doping Allegations

At the center of the latest controversy is Al-Hilal’s demand to be awarded a place in the Champions League semi-finals, despite losing 2–1 on aggregate to RS Berkane.

The Sudanese club’s case hinges on the participation of player Hamza Al-Mousawi, who was reportedly found to have taken performance-enhancing substances.

Al-Hilal has called for a full and urgent investigation, arguing that the player’s involvement compromised the integrity of the tie. The club has also taken a strong stance against CAF’s handling of the matter, issuing a detailed statement outlining what it describes as serious procedural failings.

“A Serious Breakdown of Due Process”

In its official statement, Al-Hilal did not hold back in its criticism of CAF’s disciplinary process.

“Al-Hilal expresses its deep concern and strongest condemnation of what happened during the Disciplinary Committee hearing held today at the headquarters of the Confederation of African Football in the case related to the eligibility of player Hamza Al-Mousawi after a positive doping test result was confirmed.”

The club went further, stating, “What happened during this session cannot be considered a mere passing procedural violation, but rather represents a serious breakdown of the basic principles of due process, and raises deep doubts about the independence, credibility and legitimacy of the disciplinary bodies in CAF, as well as about the integrity of African football in general.”

Allegations of Conflict of Interest and Irregularities

Al-Hilal also questioned the composition of the arbitration panel, highlighting what it described as a clear conflict of interest involving the session’s chairman.

“From the beginning, the composition of the arbitration panel was fundamentally flawed. The chairman of the session, Mr. Othman Kane, had previously participated in the decision to lift the temporary suspension of the player in question, which was the first spark of the series of events that led to this case, creating a clear and undeniable conflict of interest.”

The statement detailed further concerns about the conduct of the hearing, including communication barriers, lack of translation, and the alleged exclusion of club representatives during critical stages of deliberation.

“During the session, serious procedural violations occurred, as one of the panel members stated that he was unable to understand English, without providing a suitable translation. Our request to re-present or clarify our arguments was also rejected, and our representatives were abruptly removed while deliberations and voting were ongoing.”

Questions Over Transparency and Fairness

The Sudanese club also raised alarms over what it described as a lack of transparency and equal treatment during the proceedings.

“What’s more serious is that while our delegation was excluded, the other party’s lawyer was allowed to remain in the session, and the club’s representatives were repeatedly interrupted and prevented from presenting their case fairly. A suspicious matter.”

Al-Hilal further emphasised that key information was not communicated through official legal channels and suggested that attempts were made to influence the club’s legal representation.

“The procedures were characterised by a lack of transparency, as the basic information was not communicated through the official legal representatives of the club who were present at the session, but was conveyed informally and without any written documentation. Most worryingly, it was suggested, without any justification, that the club change its legal representatives, which is unacceptable and raises serious doubts about the fairness of the procedures and the possibility that they were predetermined.”

A Broader Threat to African Football’s Credibility

For Al-Hilal, the issue extends beyond a single case. The club believes the handling of the situation reflects deeper institutional problems within CAF.

“Such practices not only harm our club, but also undermine confidence in the CAF government and damage the reputation of African football as a whole.”

With multiple disputes now unfolding simultaneously, CAF faces increasing pressure to address concerns over governance, transparency, and fairness. As legal battles continue and scrutiny intensifies, the coming months could prove decisive in shaping the future credibility of African football’s governing structures.