The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to review Rangers International’s request for their CAF Champions League return leg against MC Alger to be played behind closed doors.
According to African football journalist Micky Junior, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee is scheduled to meet by video conference on Thursday, 22 October, to examine the incident that followed the first-leg match in Abeokuta.
Rangers, who won the first leg 2-0 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, lodged a complaint alleging that some MC Alger supporters caused disorder and damaged stadium property.
The Nigerian champions claimed that some visiting fans damaged an entrance gate, bypassed ticketing arrangements and vandalised seats.
Rangers submitted photographs and video recordings of the alleged damage to support their complaint. They also asked CAF to take disciplinary action and order the return leg to be played without spectators.
The Enugu-based club further requested written security guarantees from MC Alger and the Algerian Football Federation to protect their players, officials and travelling delegation.
MC Alger has disputed aspects of the allegations and also raised complaints about events surrounding the first leg.
Both clubs are expected to have the opportunity to respond to questions as CAF examines the available evidence before deciding on any possible disciplinary measures.
The timing of the meeting has raised questions about whether CAF will announce its decision before Friday’s return leg at Stade Ali Ammar in Douera, Algiers.
With the hearing scheduled just a day before the match, the committee will have limited time to review the evidence, reach a decision and communicate any measures that could affect match arrangements.
However, it remains unclear whether CAF will approve or reject Rangers’ request for a closed-door encounter.
The final decision is expected to determine whether any changes will be made to the arrangements for the crucial second-leg fixture.
