Egyptian Premier League side Al Ahly have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over decision by Confederation of African Football to hold African Champions League final in Egypt.
The African champions are one foot in the final after beating ES Setif 4-0 in the first leg and they are likely to meet Wydad Casablanca who registered a comfortable 3-1 win over Petro du Luanda.
Al Ahly argues that CAF’s decision is in violation of fair play standards as the final is supposed to be played in a neutral venue.
“Al Ahly SC decided to present an appeal to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) against the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of not holding the 2022 CAF Champions League final in a neutral venue, aside from the venues of the four semi-finalists, in addition to other violations that do not meet the Olympic Charter, FIFA and CAF regulations,” the Red Eagles said in a statement.
“The club has previously demanded CAF to play the game in a neutral venue and will appeal against CAF’s decision, requesting CAS to resolve the situation before the competition’s final.
“CAF announced in their statement, which was published yesterday on CAF’s official platforms, the chosen venue to host the game and mentioned in the same statement that they are in discussions to revert to the old two-legged home and away final.
“Moreover, Al Ahly SC hopes that CAF will be keen not to disrupt justice and that they will provide CAS with all the required documents that will help in achieving justice.
The statement continues; “Al Ahly’s decision to appeal to CAS came after CAF took the decision to hold the CAF Champions League final in the same venue for the second season in a row. This decision will give a home advantage to a certain team that will play at home in front of their fans in addition to violating other laws and regulations.
“CAF stated that their decision was based on the fact that there was only one bidder available to host the match without giving a proper explanation over the reasons behind the withdrawal of the other bid.”
Al Ahly appeal has received the backing of the Egyptian Football Association who have shown intrest in the matter saying was ready to take legal action to preserve Al Ahly’s rights”.
“The Egyptian Football Association sent an official letter to the CAF, confirming its request … to hold the final match of the African Champions League at a neutral stadium,” the statement from EFA read.
“The Egyptian Football Association affirms its full support for the Ahly club, the representative of the Egyptian football, in its just and legitimate demand … to hold the match at a neutral stadium.”
