Al Ahly Contacts CAF, Demands Urgent Measures to Ensure Player Safety in Champions League Matches

Egyptian club Al Ahly has sent an official letter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding what it described as "organizational and refereeing breaches" that marred the second round of group stage matches in the CAF Champions League, as documented in the reports of referees and match commissioners.

In its letter, Al Ahly emphasized that the recorded incidents necessitate urgent steps to ensure the safety of players, technical staff, and fans, and to enhance the principle of equal opportunities within the continental competition.

The club put forward four key proposals, stating that they would contribute to developing the competition and protecting its image:

• Strict enforcement of all safety procedures before the start of matches, according to clear security plans that ensure games proceed in a sporting atmosphere befitting African football.

• Integration of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in all Champions League matches, given it is the continent's biggest competition, to achieve the highest degree of fairness among teams.

• Assigning sensitive matches with large crowd attendance to elite referees on the continent, who are ranked by FIFA.

• Strict activation of CAF regulations, obliging all parties to respect them to ensure equal opportunities and stable competitive environments.

Al Ahly concluded its letter by affirming that these steps are not solely for protest but aim to "serve African football and develop its major competitions," as stated by the club.