Disciplinary decision follows prolonged deliberations
Confederation of African Football has imposed a two-year suspension on Hamza Moussaoui of RS Berkane after ruling that the player used a prohibited substance, intensifying an already contentious case linked to the African Champions League.
The decision was taken by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Ousmane Kane, following a hearing on Wednesday that reportedly lasted several hours. The ruling comes at a sensitive time, with semi-final matches of the competition scheduled to begin on 11 April.
Contradictions fuel internal tensions
The case has drawn significant attention due to what have been described as conflicting decisions issued by CAF within a short period. Earlier developments had seen Moussaoui temporarily suspended for one month pending a hearing, before that suspension was lifted on 14 March.
This sequence of decisions created confusion and contributed to a dispute involving Al-Hilal Omdurman, which had challenged the player’s eligibility to feature in their quarter-final meeting against Berkane.
As discussions intensified within CAF, the handling of the case became a point of internal disagreement, particularly given the proximity of key fixtures in the competition calendar.
Positive test confirmed after January match
The origins of the case date back to 24 January 2026, when Moussaoui underwent a routine doping test following Berkane’s group-stage match against Pyramids FC in the African Champions League.
Analysis of the A sample returned a positive result for a banned substance. On 23 February, the player was formally notified of the findings and the potential violation of anti-doping regulations.
Two days later, Moussaoui, through his club, acknowledged receipt of the notification and confirmed that he would not request analysis of the B sample, effectively accepting the initial result.
Further examination revealed that the player did not possess a therapeutic use exemption that could justify the presence of the substance, which is listed among those prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for 2026.
Sources indicate that the player admitted to taking the performance-enhancing substance, reinforcing the disciplinary committee’s decision.
Scope of the suspension and right to appeal
The two-year ban prevents Moussaoui from participating in any competitions or football-related activities organised or sanctioned by CAF or FIFA, with the exception of authorised anti-doping education or rehabilitation programmes.
CAF has also confirmed that the player retains the right to appeal the decision before its Appeals Committee, a step that is widely expected.
Wider implications for competition integrity
The ruling adds further complexity to the ongoing dispute surrounding Berkane’s quarter-final tie with Al-Hilal, with a separate hearing addressing the Sudanese club’s complaint over Moussaoui’s participation. As CAF seeks to resolve both the disciplinary and procedural aspects of the case, the outcome is likely to have broader implications for governance and competitive integrity within African football.
