Champions League: Étoile du Sahel banned from accessing the Mohammed V complex

Staff from Casa Events, the company responsible for managing the Mohammed V Sports Complex, initially denied Étoile du Sahel access to the stadium ahead of their CAF Champions League quarter-final first-leg match against Wydad Casablanca, according to reports from sport.le360.ma. The Tunisian team arrived in Casablanca on Thursday afternoon in preparation for Saturday’s crucial encounter and proceeded to the Mohammed V complex for their customary training session on the pitch that would host the match.

To the surprise of players and officials, Casa Events personnel barred the Étoile du Sahel delegation from entering the stadium. The incident caused immediate concern, as the team’s preparation time on the actual match pitch is considered vital for tactical readiness and acclimatization. Officials from the Tunisian club quickly contacted CAF representatives to resolve the issue, prompting CAF to liaise directly with Wydad’s management in an effort to clarify the situation.

The matter was eventually addressed after the intervention of Wydad president Said Naciri and board member Mohamed Talal, who arrived at the scene to oversee the resolution. Their involvement led to Étoile du Sahel being granted access to the stadium, allowing the team to complete their training session as planned. While the misunderstanding was resolved, the incident highlighted the sensitivity of stadium access procedures and the importance of coordination between event management companies, clubs, and CAF in continental competitions.

Such disruptions can have an impact on visiting teams, especially ahead of high-stakes matches like a Champions League quarter-final. Being able to train on the match pitch allows players to familiarize themselves with the surface, adjust to stadium conditions, and fine-tune set-piece strategies. The initial denial of entry, therefore, represented not just an administrative issue but a potential obstacle to the visiting team’s preparation.

The incident underscores the challenges that can arise in organizing major African football events, where stadium management, logistics, and coordination between multiple parties must function seamlessly to ensure fair conditions for both home and visiting clubs. CAF, along with local organizing committees, continues to play a crucial role in mediating such disputes to maintain the integrity and smooth operation of its competitions.

In the end, Étoile du Sahel was able to train at the Mohammed V stadium, alleviating concerns and allowing them to focus on the upcoming clash against Wydad. With the first leg scheduled for Saturday, both clubs are now fully concentrating on preparing for what promises to be an intense and closely contested quarter-final match in the CAF Champions League.