CAF rejects APR FC request to move Aigles du Congo match from DR Congo

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected APR FC’s request to have their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie against Aigles du Congo moved away from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Rwandan club had asked CAF to relocate the first-leg fixture to another country, citing concerns over the situation in DR Congo.

However, CAF has decided not to move any Champions League or Confederation Cup matches away from the country and has therefore turned down APR FC’s request.

The match between APR FC and Aigles du Congo will consequently go ahead as originally scheduled in DR Congo.

The decision means APR FC will have to travel to DR Congo for the first leg despite the concerns raised by the Rwandan side.

CAF’s position also applies more broadly to its inter-club competitions, with the governing body deciding against relocating matches involving DR Congo clubs to neutral venues.

APR FC had hoped for the fixture to be played in another country, but the club’s request has not been accepted.

The Rwandan champions will now turn their attention to preparations for the tie as they seek to navigate the opening round of Africa’s premier club competition.

The Champions League preliminary rounds will determine which clubs progress to the next stage of the competition, with teams battling for places in the group phase.

For APR FC, the immediate focus will be on the trip to DR Congo and securing a positive result against Aigles du Congo before the return fixture in Rwanda.

CAF’s decision brings an end to uncertainty over the venue and means the first leg will proceed as planned in DR Congo.