APR FC ask CAF to move Champions League tie against Aigles du Congo

Rwandan champions APR FC have asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to move their CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg match against Les Aigles du Congo away from the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing health, security and political concerns.

The first-leg fixture is scheduled to be played in the DRC on September 5, with APR FC expected to travel to Kinshasa to face the Congolese side.

However, the Rwandan club has formally written to CAF requesting that the match be staged at a neutral venue because of concerns surrounding an Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, the security situation and heightened political tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.

APR FC head coach Abderrahim Taleb confirmed that the club had raised the matter with CAF, stressing that the request was aimed at protecting the players and technical staff rather than withdrawing from the competition.

“We cannot put our players at risk,” Taleb said after APR’s recent pre-season friendly against Etincelles FC. He added that the club was discussing with CAF the possibility of playing the fixture at a neutral venue.

CAF has received APR FC’s request and is understood to have asked the club for further clarification regarding the Ebola situation before making a final decision on the proposed change of venue.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, with the two neighbouring countries remaining embroiled in a long-running political and security dispute linked to the conflict in eastern Congo.

The health situation has added another complication to the Champions League fixture. APR FC have argued that travelling to the DRC at a time when an Ebola outbreak has been reported presents an unnecessary risk to their delegation.

The club has therefore asked CAF to consider a neutral venue where the two teams can contest the first leg without exposing the travelling squad to the concerns it has raised.

The match is part of the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, with APR FC drawn against Les Aigles du Congo. The Congolese club will be looking to make the most of home advantage, while APR FC are seeking a favourable result before the return leg in Rwanda.

CAF’s decision could have significant implications for the tie, particularly given the political sensitivity surrounding sporting events involving teams from Rwanda and the DRC.

For now, APR FC are continuing their preparations for the fixture while awaiting CAF’s response. The Rwandan champions have not indicated that they intend to withdraw from the competition and remain focused on playing the tie, provided an arrangement can be reached over the venue.

CAF has yet to announce whether the match will remain in the DRC or be moved to a neutral country.