CAF's Slam: Al Ahly Sanctioned After Fan Chaos at Army Clash
5 March 2026
What happened and CAF's decision
Al Ahly of Egypt has been sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football CAF after disorder in the final group-stage match against Royal Army from Morocco in the CAF Champions League. The game ended goalless, but a portion of the home crowd threw bottles onto the pitch, prompting the disciplinary action.
Penalties and fines
CAF ruled that Al Ahly will host two upcoming African fixtures without spectators, with one ban suspended. The club was fined 50,000 dollars, plus 10,000 dollars for laser use by supporters, and the clubs legal team will take the necessary steps to implement the decision.
Next fixtures and implications
As a result, Al Ahly will lose attendance for the home leg against Espérance de Tunis in the quarterfinals, scheduled for March 21, with the first leg having taken place in Radès on March 15. Espérance had already said it would host the Cairo match behind closed doors.
The Tunisian side vs Al Ahly in Africa's flagship competition will keep fans out of the stands for the next two fixtures, and the sanctions could affect planning for both clubs ahead of a crucial phase.
Punchline 1: If lasers powered goals, Al Ahly would have the brightest scoreboard in the continent.
Punchline 2: And if CAF keeps turning pages as fast as the fines, the suspense will be legal enough to cover a season.
