A major controversy has erupted in the CAF Champions League following the quarter-final clash between Al-Hilal Omdurman and RS Berkane, with the Sudanese side formally challenging the outcome of the tie.
The dispute centres on Berkane captain Hamza El Moussaoui, whose eligibility has been questioned after conflicting disciplinary decisions regarding a doping case.
Suspension controversy
According to details emerging from within the disciplinary process, El Moussaoui underwent a doping test on January 24 following a group-stage match against Pyramids FC.
An official decision was later issued on March 11 by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, imposing a suspension just days before the first leg of the quarter-final between Al-Hilal and Berkane.
However, in a dramatic twist, another decision was reportedly made just 48 hours before the match, suspending the implementation of that ban and allowing the player to feature while awaiting a hearing.
El Moussaoui went on to participate in both legs of the tie, which ended with Berkane advancing to the semi-finals, where they are set to face AS FAR in an all-Moroccan showdown.
Al-Hilal’s formal complaint
Al-Hilal have reacted strongly, submitting an official complaint to Confederation of African Football demanding that the result of the tie be overturned.
The club argues that a player who had already been subject to a suspension decision should not have been eligible to participate, regardless of any later administrative changes.
In a detailed statement, the Sudanese side confirmed that their legal representative had contacted CAF multiple times without receiving a response.
Four official communications were sent:
- A formal complaint on March 23
- A request to be recognised as an interested party
- A reminder on March 29
- A final request on March 30
According to the club, CAF failed to respond within a 48-hour deadline, with the governing body remaining silent for 11 days.
Final warning and CAS threat
Al-Hilal have now issued a final deadline, giving CAF until April 3 to provide a detailed response. If no clarification is received, the club plans to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, supported by a legal file said to include more than 13 documents.
The Sudanese club has also called for immediate precautionary measures, including:
- Suspending Berkane from CAF and FIFA competitions
- Freezing their participation in ongoing tournaments until a ruling is made
Possible consequences
Sources within the disciplinary framework suggest that, if any procedural breach is confirmed, Berkane could face severe sanctions, including potential exclusion from the competition.
The case hinges on a key distinction: whether a player already under suspension was allowed to play, or whether the situation falls under standard post-match doping procedures, where only the player is punished.
Silence fuels tension
So far, CAF has not publicly explained the sequence of decisions or responded to Al-Hilal’s communications.
That silence has intensified scrutiny around the case, raising broader questions about governance, transparency, and the integrity of continental competitions.
