There has been a massive backlash after Caf announced its decision to host the Champions League in Morocco on Monday night.
With Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca and Egyptian club Al Ahly both with one foot in the final after impressive first-leg victories, the timing and placement of the final has been hit by massive criticism.
The continent’s football ruling body decided to award the final to Morocco, despite the advantage it would give Wydad, following the Senegalese Football Federation’s withdrawal of its bid.
The final is now set for 30 May at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.
“The previous Caf leadership decided on 17 July 2019 that the winner of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will be determined by a one-leg final, instead of the usual two-legged home and away final,” a statement from Caf read.
“Caf received a bid from the Senegalese Football Federation and from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to host the final of the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League 2022.
“The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently withdrew their bid.
“Caf is therefore pleased to award the hosting of the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League 2022 Final to Morocco. The date of the final is 30 May 2022.
“There are currently discussions under way within Caf to revert to the old two-legged home and away final to determine the winner of the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League, rather than the one-leg final.”
The decision has not gone down well in Egypt, with both Al Ahly and Mosimane questioning the decision.
Mosimane took to Twitter hitting out at what he called corruption from Caf in a series of tweets and retweets, which made his position abundantly clear.
When the Caf Champions League group stages games were finished,rumours were saying SA is hosting.
Hao,jikijiki,after semifinals game were decided,there was a loud silence on the country to host the final.Then after the first leg of the semi finals, suddenly Morocco is hosting.🤔— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) May 10, 2022
What is all this about? No 1 trending worldwide ? pic.twitter.com/Dz3gqXa7t4
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) May 10, 2022
Before the decision was even announced, Al Ahly pre-empted the announcement and sent a letter to Caf president Patrice Motsepe on Sunday night.
“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,” read a statement on their website.
“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.”
Whether Caf will still allow the final to take place in Morocco or amend their decision, only time will tell.
