CAF under pressure as Al-Hilal question El Moussaoui participation

Sudanese side Al-Hilal Omdurman have formally lodged a complaint with the Confederation of African Football over the eligibility of RS Berkane defender Hamza El Moussaoui following their CAF Champions League quarter-final tie.

The dispute centres on the two-legged encounter between RS Berkane and Al-Hilal, which concluded on 22 March with Berkane progressing after a 1-1 first-leg draw and a 1-0 win in the return leg.

However, the outcome could now face scrutiny off the pitch after Al-Hilal escalated concerns to CAF.

According to reports cited by insider Micky Jr, the Sudanese club is questioning the participation of left-back Hamza El Moussaoui.

The Moroccan A’ international is said to have returned a positive doping test and received a 30-day suspension.

CAF allegedly informed relevant parties of the suspension two days before the quarter-final, but the sanction was lifted on the day of the match, allowing the player to feature.

Al-Hilal had previously contacted CAF regarding refereeing concerns during the second leg but has now broadened its complaint to include the defender’s involvement.

The issue has gained further significance as El Moussaoui was involved in a key moment during the first leg, winning the penalty that led to Berkane’s equaliser.

Under growing pressure, CAF is expected to deliver a ruling on Monday. A hearing has reportedly been scheduled at the organisation’s headquarters, where both clubs are set to present their positions.

The Sudanese club maintains it holds sufficient evidence to support its claims and is seeking clarification on the circumstances that allowed the player to take part. The governing body has yet to publicly comment on the matter.

If any breach of regulations is confirmed, Berkane could face severe consequences, including the possibility of forfeiting the tie, which would result in their elimination from the competition.

The timing is critical, with Berkane due to face AS FAR Rabat in the semi-final first leg on 11 April.

The case adds to ongoing tensions and scrutiny within African club competitions, with the final decision from CAF now set to determine whether the result on the pitch will stand or be overturned.