CAF Champions League: CAF steps up warning after incidents in Morocco and Tunisia

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) was unhappy with the incidents surrounding the Champions League matches played this weekend in Morocco and Tunisia. The governing body has strongly condemned these unsporting acts, on Monday 1 May. "The scenes that took place in Tunis and Casablanca are unacceptable and we cannot tolerate this in football. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the acts of indiscipline by certain supporters. CAF will refer the matter to its judicial bodies for a more thorough investigation," CAF general secretary Mosengo-Omba said in a statement.

Two matches: a 30-minute delay and a death

Espérance hosted JS Kabylie in Tunis in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final (1-1). With the game goalless until half-time, Espérance supporters tried to get onto the pitch, according to Radio Mosaïque. A confrontation with the security forces followed. Clashes set part of the stands on fire and forced the match to be suspended for 30 minutes. The Tunisians went through after a draw against the Algerians (1-1, 2-1 on aggregate).

While the incidents in Tunisia caused less damage, in Morocco the opposite was true. A Moroccan female supporter lost her life in the scuffles that began even before kick-off in the match between Raja Casablanca and Al Ahly (0-0, 0-2 in the first leg). She reportedly suffered a collapse as supporters crowded in to reach the stands.

Read more on the same subject: Morocco: investigation after the death of a Raja supporter

The chaotic situation led to a huge crush at the entrance gate. With police powerless, a huge crowd pushed to force its way in. After the match, the situation degenerated into clashes between supporters. It was all shared in videos that went viral on social media.

Read more on the same subject: CAF Champions League: Sundowns meet Wydad, EST and Al Ahly set for a semi-final showdown

Al Ahly will face Esperence de Tunis in the CAF Champions League semi-finals.

Last night there were incidents in Radès. A chainsaw at the stadium? 🧐

CAF sanctions will surely follow… one to watch. 🇹🇳 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL
pic.twitter.com/TuRAKtS69j

— Onze Masr 🇪🇬 (@onzemasr) April 30, 2023

CAF set to crack down, which is bad news for Morocco

Heavy sanctions are expected from CAF. These incidents, at any rate, somewhat tarnish the image of Morocco, which wants to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Moroccan kingdom is also bidding to host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The second leg between Wydad Casablanca and Mamelodi Sundowns, on 19 May in the Champions League semi-final, will be closely watched. The Moroccan authorities will have to pull out all the stops to avoid another situation that would weaken their position further. Espérance Sportive de Tunis could also pay a heavy price for these scuffles. A match behind closed doors for the second leg against Al Ahly could be ordered.

CAF condemns the behaviour of certain supporters during the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League matches in Tunisia and Morocco https://t.co/tgddishgBm

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) May 1, 2023