Champions League: Al Hilal steps up appeal over El Moussaoui case ahead of CAF hearing

Al Hilal has intensified its challenge over the eligibility of RS Berkane player Hamza El Moussaoui, with a hearing now scheduled just days before the CAF Champions League semi-finals.

The Sudanese club confirmed that its appeal will be examined on Thursday, 9 April, following a series of exchanges with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The timing of the hearing has drawn attention, coming only two days before RS Berkane are due to play in the next stage of the competition.

At the centre of the dispute is Al Hilal’s claim that El Moussaoui should not have featured in the two quarter-final matches.

The club maintains that the player ought to have been serving a suspension during those fixtures, and has continued to contest his participation.

The case has developed over several weeks, with Al Hilal repeatedly raising concerns about the handling of the matter.

The scheduling of the hearing represents the latest step in a process that has yet to reach a conclusion.

Al Hilal has also voiced objections regarding the individual appointed to review the appeal.

According to the club, the same person had previously ruled in favour of lifting the player’s suspension, a decision the Sudanese side believes lacked sufficient justification.

This aspect of the case has added another layer of complexity, as the club questions both the substance of the earlier ruling and the process by which the appeal is being examined.

The concerns reflect a broader unease within the club about how the situation has been managed.

In an effort to accelerate proceedings, Al Hilal’s management has set a deadline of 6 April for all parties involved to be formally summoned.

The move is intended to ensure that the case is addressed within a timeframe that aligns with the competition schedule.

The proximity of the hearing to the semi-finals has heightened the sense of urgency.

With RS Berkane preparing for a decisive stage of the tournament, the outcome of the appeal could have implications for the competition’s progression.

Al Hilal has indicated that it is prepared to take further action if its concerns are not addressed.

The club has stated that it may refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should the process fail to meet its expectations.

Such a step would extend the dispute beyond CAF’s jurisdiction, placing the case in the hands of an independent body.

It would also underline the seriousness with which Al Hilal is pursuing the issue.

The situation highlights the challenges that can arise in tournament governance, particularly when questions of player eligibility intersect with tight competition schedules.

The resolution of the case will be closely followed by those involved in African football.

For now, attention remains on the upcoming hearing, which represents a critical moment in the dispute.

Both the timing and the outcome are likely to shape the next phase of the case.

As the semi-finals approach, uncertainty continues to surround the issue, with Al Hilal maintaining its position and seeking clarity on the decisions taken so far.

The hearing is expected to provide an opportunity for all parties to present their arguments.

Until then, the case remains unresolved, with the possibility of further legal proceedings still on the table.