Al Ahly Urges CAF to Host African Champions League Final in Neutral Venue

Egyptian giants Al Ahly have reached out to Confederation of African Football (CAF) to request a neutral venue for the 2022 Champions League final.

The Red Eagles, who are eyeing an unprecedented hat-trick of straight Champions League crowns, are one foot in the final after beating ES Setif 4-0 in the first-leg of the semi-finals.

In a statement published on Al Ahly website, Al Ahly said the match should be moved an impartial venue after reports emerged that CAF are about to confirm Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium.

“Al Ahly SC sent an official letter on Sunday to Mr. Patrice Motsepe, the president of CAF, demanding a neutral venue for the 2022 CAF Champions League final,” the club said in a statement.

“Al Ahly highlighted in the letter that the final should not be hosted by one of the countries of the four teams competing in the CAF Champions League semi-finals and a neutral venue will provide equal chances for the four teams.

“Al Ahly stressed that the game should be held in a neutral venue, since CAF did not choose the hosting country in an earlier stage, noting that giving one of the four teams the home advantage in the final contradicts the fair play standards.

“Al Ahly expressed their full trust in CAF’s professionalism and fairness and their commitment to preserving equal rights for the four competing teams.”

The defending champions will travel to ES Setif in the semifinal second-leg on 14 May, while the other last four match  will be between Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca and Angola’s Petro Atletico.