CAF orders MC Algiers to suspend ticket sales ahead of Rangers clash
By Tosin Omojola
The Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly directed MC Algiers to suspend ticket sales for Friday’s CAF Champions League second-leg encounter against Rangers International FC of Enugu pending a disciplinary hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Algerian newspaper El Khabar reported that the directive followed a protest by Rangers over incidents during the first leg of the second preliminary round at the MKO Abiola Sports Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, last Sunday.
CAF announced on Wednesday that its Disciplinary Committee would meet virtually on Thursday to consider statements and testimonies from MC Algiers’ management, along with the club’s response and other evidence.
Ticket sales reportedly began on Wednesday after MC Algiers announced arrangements for the exercise, but the latest directive has left supporters uncertain about attending the match amid speculation that CAF could impose sanctions.
Reports from Algeria also indicate that the first-leg match commissioner submitted a strongly worded report on the conduct of MC Algiers and its supporters. This has raised the possibility that CAF could order the return leg to be played behind closed doors if the allegations are proven.
The second leg is scheduled for Friday night at the Ali Ammar Stadium, popularly known as Ali La Pointe, in Douira, Algeria.
Rangers had petitioned CAF over what they described as “unsportsmanlike” conduct by some MC Algiers supporters during the first leg, alleging that fans damaged stadium seats and entered without tickets. The Enugu-based club also urged CAF to introduce measures to protect its players and officials during the return fixture.
The hearing’s outcome could determine whether MC Algiers faces sanctions affecting supporters’ access to Friday’s decisive encounter.
Rangers take a 2-0 advantage into the second leg, leaving MC Algiers needing to overturn the deficit to keep their Champions League campaign alive.
