The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will make a final decision on the disciplinary case surrounding the controversial CAF Confederation Cup semi-final second leg between Olympic Safi and USM Alger.
According to information obtained by WinWin from official sources, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee is scheduled to meet on June 10 to examine the file and issue its final ruling after weeks of investigations, hearings, and reviews of official reports.
The case has remained unresolved for nearly two months following the turbulent semi-final clash played in Safi in April. The match was overshadowed by serious security concerns and crowd disturbances that delayed kick-off by one hour and 20 minutes.
Reports indicated that the initial delay was caused by insufficient security arrangements around the stadium. The situation reportedly improved only after the arrival of additional security forces, allowing the game to proceed.
The encounter was also interrupted on multiple occasions after one of the assistant referees, Rwandan official Samuel Oukonda, was repeatedly targeted by projectiles thrown from the stands.
CAF investigates responsibility
Sources told WinWin that the disciplinary process has been marked by extensive discussions regarding responsibility for the events that occurred during the match.
The case reportedly generated divisions within CAF over the nature and severity of potential sanctions against the parties involved.
One of the most debated aspects concerns the decision to allow the match to go ahead despite the disturbances that preceded kick-off. According to a CAF source cited by WinWin, the match coordinator, Libyan official Ali Gilani Ftita, insisted on proceeding with the fixture and assumed responsibility for the decision under the circumstances.
That decision sparked considerable debate because CAF regulations could have justified postponing or cancelling the match due to crowd invasions, security breaches, and the significant delay to kick-off.
CAF’s ruling is expected to clarify accountability for the incidents and determine whether disciplinary measures will be imposed on Olympic Safi, USM Alger, or other parties involved in the organization of the match.
The decision is being closely followed across African football, as it could establish an important precedent regarding stadium security, crowd management, and the enforcement of CAF competition regulations.
The controversy unfolded during a season that saw USM Alger eventually lift the CAF Confederation Cup trophy after defeating Zamalek in a dramatic penalty shootout.
