AS FAR star Zineddine Derrag banned for three months after CAF doping violation

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed AS FAR midfielder Zineddine Derrag a three-month suspension after the player tested positive for a prohibited substance during the CAF Champions League group stage.

The sanction follows routine in-competition testing conducted under CAF’s anti-doping regulations, which flagged an adverse analytical finding involving the Moroccan club’s midfield player.

The governing body confirmed the disciplinary action after completing its review process in line with established protocols.

Derrag, who has been a squad member for AS FAR in their continental campaign, was found to have breached anti-doping rules during the group phase of Africa’s premier club competition.

The specific substance involved has not been publicly disclosed by the authorities.

The ruling issued by the Confederation of African Football triggers an immediate suspension that rules the midfielder out of all football-related activities for three months. The ban applies across both domestic and continental competitions.

The player, Zineddine Derrag, is expected to have the opportunity to appeal the decision through CAF’s judicial structures, although no formal statement has yet been released by either the player or his club regarding the verdict.

The suspension comes at a crucial stage of AS FAR’s continental campaign, potentially affecting squad depth as the club navigates the latter stages of the Champions League group phase.

Coaching staff are now expected to adjust their midfield options in response to the setback.

CAF continues to emphasize its commitment to strict anti-doping enforcement as part of broader efforts to maintain integrity in African football, with regular in-competition testing forming a key pillar of its compliance programme.