CAF Clash in the Shadows: Is Hamza Mousaoui Eligible for Berkane?

CAF hearing set in ongoing Al Hilal vs Berkane dispute

Tensions in the dispute between Al Hilal SC of Sudan and Morocco's Renaissance Berkane continue over Hamza Al-Mousaoui's eligibility to participate in the CAF Champions League, a case that has sparked discussion in CAF circles over the weeks.

Al Hilal sent five formal communications to CAF between March 23 and April 3, urging an urgent inquiry into Mousaoui's participation, arguing that the player is not eligible to represent Berkane in the current edition.

Despite repeated messages, CAF did not respond, prompting a strongly worded statement condemning what the club called unacceptable administrative silence.

In its latest statement, Al Hilal stressed that lack of clarification from involved parties, especially the player himself, makes any hearing in good faith difficult, and asked CAF to issue a clear ruling before Berkane's upcoming semi-final.

In a new twist, CAF announced a formal hearing to review the complaint on Thursday, April 9, set two days before the first leg of the semi-final between AS FAR and Berkane.

Hilal's latest letters urged CAF to issue a decisive ruling by April 6 or postpone the April 11 match until a final decision is reached, warning that they will take the case to CAS if the file is not handled with speed and transparency.

Punchline 1: This saga is so offside that even a sniper would struggle to pick a lane.

Punchline 2: And for the fans hoping for clarity, cue the popcorn—this transfer soap opera has more twists than a pretzel factory.