The African Football Confederation (CAF) yesterday confirmed that it will host the final of the African Champions League in Morocco and abide by one match, despite opposition from Egypt’s al-Ahly. The Egyptian Football Association had earlier announced that it had submitted a request to the CAF to host the Champions League final this month, opposing allocating the venue for the final to Morocco.

After two big wins in the first leg of the semifinals, expectations are high that there will be a clash between defending champions Egypt al-Ahly and Morocco’s Vaidat Casablanca in the final of the tournament on the 30th of this month. In Cairo, al-Ahly defeated Algeria’s ES Setif 4-0, while Wydad beat Angola’s Petro Atletico 3-1.

The crisis began when the CAF announced that it would host the final in Morocco after two semi-final first leg matches, which angered al-Ahly due to a breach of equal opportunities and a pro-Widat policy.

The CAF said it “understands the grievances and concerns” of al-Ahly and the Egyptian Federation, but reaffirmed its commitment to run from one match to the final in 2019, as decided by the previous board of directors. The CAF pointed out that “its rules and FIFA’s rules do not allow it to be changed once the competition system has begun.”

“Morocco succeeded with Senegal only in meeting the criteria for hosting the final, while Egypt did not submit a request to host the tournament,” Kef explained. After Senegal’s withdrawal, the CAF decided to hold the final in Morocco. Keff added that discussions are underway to return to home and outfield in the Champions League final.

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