CAF president Motsepe seeks to mend ties with Morocco amid Al-Ahly fan ban controversy

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe is reportedly making efforts to restore relations with Moroccan football authorities following tensions that arose after the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.

Per reports in Morocco, Motsepe’s recent decisions—particularly the punishment of Al-Ahly following the “Royal Army” incidents—may be part of an attempt to gain favor with Moroccan officials and repair the strained relationship. However, reports indicate that Moroccan authorities remain firm in their position, signaling that relations may not easily return to their previous state.

Al-Ahly officially announced on its website that CAF’s Disciplinary Committee has imposed significant sanctions on the club following fan disturbances during the African Champions League group-stage match against Royal Army. The penalties include:

•A two-match ban for Al-Ahly fans, with the second match suspended for one year.

•A financial fine of $60,000, broken down as $50,000 for general infractions and an additional $10,000 for the use of lasers during the match.

Per sources, the Royal Army Club was also fined $20,000. The incidents took place during the 0-0 draw at Cairo International Stadium, which concluded the group stage of the African Champions League. Despite the fan trouble, both teams advanced to the quarter-finals.

Al-Ahly will now face Esperance of Tunisia, while Royal Army will take on Pyramids FC in the next round. Al-Ahly’s legal affairs department has stated that it will pursue all necessary measures to contest or address CAF’s disciplinary decisions.

The controversy has highlighted lingering friction between CAF and Moroccan football officials, with the president’s attempts at reconciliation reportedly described as “desperate” by Moroccan media. According to reports, Moroccan authorities remain unwavering, emphasizing that it is unlikely relations will return to their pre-AFCON state despite Motsepe’s outreach.

As CAF seeks to manage disciplinary matters while maintaining relationships with North African football bodies, the Al-Ahly-Royal Army incident has become a focal point for both governance and diplomacy within African football. The situation underscores the challenges CAF faces in balancing authority with maintaining cooperation among its member associations.