Exclusive: CAF Yet to Notify Sundowns and AS FAR of Champions League Final Dates Amidst Potential Schedule Change
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had previously announced on its official website the dates for the first and second legs of the CAF Champions League final, featuring AS FAR and South African club Mamelodi Sundowns. CAF stated that the matches were scheduled for May 15 and 24, with the first leg in Pretoria and the return leg at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
However, Al-Botola has learned from its sources within CAF that the competitions department has not yet sent the confirmed dates to either club. This delay is due to awaiting final confirmation and approval of the schedule once the refereeing teams for the Champions League final have been appointed.
According to closely related sources, there appears to be a strong inclination within the African Confederation to amend the date of the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between AS FAR and South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, which the latter is set to host in Pretoria.
Information obtained by Al-Botola from its CAF sources indicates that Mamelodi Sundowns has rejected playing the first leg on Friday, May 15, at home against AS FAR.
CAF has received communications from Sundowns citing difficulties in holding the match on the initially proposed date. The South African club believes this date is unsuitable as they aim for a massive turnout of their supporters, filling the Loftus Versfeld Stadium to capacity.
Sundowns is pushing for the match to be played at 3 PM. If the game were to take place on a Friday, they would be forced to play in the evening, circumstances which the South African representatives deem inappropriate for a Champions League final.
CAF is currently reviewing Sundowns' request and the possibility of an amendment, especially since the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final is scheduled for the following day, May 16.
Regarding the date of the return leg in Rabat, it is expected to remain unchanged, scheduled for May 24 at 8 PM at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
