CAF yet to finalize Champions League final dates amid scheduling uncertainty

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet formally communicated the official dates for the CAF Champions League final to the two finalists, Mamelodi Sundowns and FAR Rabat.

The South African and Moroccan giants are set to contest Africa’s premier club competition final in May, having secured their places after eliminating Esperance de Tunis and RS Berkane, respectively, in the semi-finals.

Initial indications suggested that the final would be staged over two legs on May 15 and May 24, with Sundowns hosting the first leg at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria before the return fixture in Rabat.

However, reports suggest that CAF has not officially confirmed these dates to either club, despite the earlier scheduling outline.

According to the report, the delay stems from CAF awaiting final approval of the fixture arrangement, including the appointment of refereeing teams for the decisive matches.

Complicating matters further, Mamelodi Sundowns are said to have raised concerns over the proposed first-leg date.

The club reportedly objects to playing on Friday, May 15, arguing that it is not ideal for their plans to maximise attendance at Loftus Versfeld.

The Pretoria-based side is also understood to prefer a 15:00 kickoff. Should the match be fixed for a Friday, however, an evening kickoff would likely be required.

There are no reported disagreements regarding the second leg in Rabat, which remains unaffected.

CAF is currently reviewing Sundowns’ request as discussions continue over the final scheduling of the continent’s showpiece event.