CAF rejects Al-Hilal protest over eligibility of Hamza Moussaoui in Berkane clash

Tensions continue to rise in African club football after Al-Hilal Omdurman confirmed that the Confederation of African Football Disciplinary Committee has officially rejected its complaint regarding the eligibility of Hamza Moussaoui, a player for RS Berkane.

The dispute stems from Al-Hilal’s clash with the Moroccan side in the CAF Champions League, where the Sudanese club questioned Moussaoui’s right to feature in the match. However, CAF’s disciplinary body dismissed the complaint, delivering its decision through an official communication received by Al-Hilal.

Unwilling to accept the verdict, the Sudanese giants have swiftly announced their intention to escalate the matter to the Appeals Committee, signaling that the legal battle is far from over.

In a strongly worded statement, Al-Hilal reiterated its stance, insisting that it remains committed to what it described as a “just case.” The club also expressed dissatisfaction with how the disciplinary process was handled, having earlier criticized the proceedings as lacking transparency and violating fundamental principles of due process.

“The Disciplinary Committee of CAF rejected the complaint submitted by Al-Hilal… Al-Hilal announces its continuation in its just case, and the escalation of the complaint to the Appeals Committee,” the club stated.

The controversy adds a layer of off-field drama to an already intense stage of the competition, as RS Berkane prepare for a crucial semi-final encounter. The Moroccan side is set to face AS FAR in the first leg, with momentum firmly on their side despite the ongoing dispute.

For CAF, the situation presents a delicate balancing act between maintaining regulatory authority and ensuring confidence in its disciplinary processes. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal’s decision to pursue an appeal suggests the case could drag on, potentially casting a shadow over the latter stages of the tournament.

As the football continues on the pitch, the legal battle off it is intensifying—highlighting once again how administrative decisions can play a decisive role in shaping African club competitions.