AS Vita Club has formally denounced the treatment they received in Dar es Salaam during the sixth day of the CAF Champions League group stage, following their elimination by Simba SC. The Congolese club alleges that both their team and staff were subjected to dangerous and unacceptable conditions before and during the match on March 16 at the National Stadium.
Speaking to RFI, AS Vita Club coach Florent Ibenge described a “nightmarish” experience that began even before the match. He explained that the day prior, the team faced difficulties accessing the stadium for training, with their bus left outside and scuffles ensuing. On match day, the situation worsened: the team was unable to use their designated locker room because it had been sprayed with an unknown substance. “The CAF coordinator himself inspected it and told us it was impossible to stay there,” Ibenge said. Consequently, players had to change in the corridor while fumes lingered, requiring them to wear masks just to get dressed.
Ibenge claims the hazards continued on the pitch. According to him, several water bottles supplied during the game were “tainted.” One of his players immediately spat out the liquid, while a Simba player reportedly suffered eye irritation after splashing himself. Ibenge handed the bottles to the match commissioner and alerted CAF officials, fearing serious health consequences. “It’s unacceptable. We’re playing football! If someone drinks that water, they could end up in the hospital,” he said, describing the incident as a possible attempted poisoning.
CAF has confirmed that it is aware of the complaint and has opened an investigation into the matter. The outcome is expected before Simba’s first-leg quarter-final against TP Mazembe, scheduled for April 5 or 6 at the same stadium.
Ibenge’s testimony highlights serious concerns about the safety and fairness of matches in the competition. The AS Vita coach criticized the treatment, stating that such behavior is completely unacceptable in football and undermines the integrity of the game. Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football has yet to issue a formal response, leaving questions about potential sanctions or preventive measures ahead of the next fixtures.
This incident adds to the growing scrutiny of match conditions and club treatment in African competitions. AS Vita Club’s public denunciation emphasizes the need for strict oversight, particularly when teams face unusual or potentially hazardous circumstances in foreign stadiums. The investigation by CAF will be closely watched by other clubs and fans alike, as it could set a precedent for the handling of such serious complaints in continental tournaments.
In the meantime, both Simba and TP Mazembe prepare for their upcoming quarter-final clash, with AS Vita Club awaiting the results of the probe that may have implications for future matches in the Champions League.
