
Anticipation Mounts Ahead of Potential Al Ahly Sanctions; Focus on Disciplinary Committee
African football circles are eagerly awaiting the decisions of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee regarding the incidents that occurred during the match between Egypt's Al Ahly and AS FAR. The game, hosted at Cairo International Stadium, was part of the sixth and final round of the CAF Champions League group stage.
AS FAR officials and observers anticipate severe penalties against the Egyptian club. This expectation follows reports from the referee, match commissioner, and security coordinator, which documented the pelting of AS FAR players with bottles and various projectiles. These incidents reportedly occurred both during the match and as players headed to the dressing room at halftime, sparking significant controversy within football circles.
CAF regulations suggest the possibility of significant sanctions against Al Ahly, potentially including playing two matches behind closed doors, in addition to a substantial financial fine. This is particularly likely given that it appears to be a repeat offense, with similar incidents involving the Egyptian club's fans recorded in previous continental competitions. Such a history could lead to stricter penalties, aimed at ensuring player safety and upholding regulations.
AS FAR is awaiting the Disciplinary Committee's decision in the coming days, having lodged an official complaint demanding the application of disciplinary regulations. This comes amid widespread calls to uphold the principle of fair play and protect visiting clubs from such conduct, thereby preserving the integrity of African competitions.