CAF opens disciplinary probe after OC Safi–USM Alger clash ends in chaos

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to launch disciplinary proceedings following incidents that marred the CAF Confederation Cup encounter between Moroccan side OC Safi and Algeria’s USM Alger, after official match reports were formally submitted to the governing body.

The match, which eventually resumed under tight security, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Al Massira Al Khadra Stadium in Morocco, sending the Algerian side through on the away goals rule after a goalless first leg in Algiers.

According to the General Coordinator’s report, the documents detailing the disturbances have now been received by CAF, paving the way for a review by its Disciplinary Committee.

The committee is expected to assess the extent of the disorder and determine whether sanctions are warranted.

Preliminary accounts suggest that travelling supporters were involved in triggering unrest during the match, with reports of crowd disturbances escalating into a pitch invasion.

The situation forced officials to intervene as tensions rose inside the stadium, temporarily disrupting proceedings.

While CAF prepares to examine the incident in detail, the governing body is expected to adopt a measured approach.

Both clubs will be granted the opportunity to present their versions of events before any ruling is delivered, in line with standard disciplinary procedures.

Despite the uncertainty, early indications suggest that possible sanctions remain on the table, ranging from fines to stadium bans or suspensions, depending on the findings of the investigation.

The fixture, which featured OC Safi and USM Alger, now risks being overshadowed by the off-field disorder, as CAF seeks to reinforce its commitment to safety, discipline, and crowd control across its competitions.

A final decision from the committee is expected once all submissions have been reviewed and hearings completed.