The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee is scheduled to meet via video conference tomorrow to review incidents that occurred during Rangers International’s home match against MC Alger in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
CAF confirmed that it has received video footage of the incidents, which will be examined by the committee as part of its disciplinary proceedings.
Both Rangers International of Nigeria and MC Alger of Algeria will have the opportunity to respond to questions from the committee before any decision is reached.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for CAF to assess the available evidence and hear from both clubs regarding the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
Although CAF has not announced any sanctions, the outcome of the proceedings could have disciplinary implications for either or both clubs, depending on the committee’s findings.
The development comes amid heightened attention on the fixture, with CAF taking steps to ensure that incidents arising from the continental competition are properly investigated.
In a related measure, CAF had appointed Ugandan security expert Dixon Okello to oversee security matters ahead of the second-leg encounter between the two clubs, highlighting the governing body’s concern about maintaining order and safety around the fixture.
CAF does not routinely deploy safety and security officers and general coordinators for preliminary-round matches, but the circumstances surrounding this tie prompted additional precautions.
The disciplinary committee’s review will focus on the available video evidence, with both clubs given the opportunity to present their responses as part of the process.
Until the committee concludes its deliberations and announces its decision, neither club can be considered guilty of any disciplinary offence.
CAF is yet to disclose the possible sanctions under consideration or indicate when its final decision will be made public.
The proceedings will be closely monitored by Nigerian football supporters, particularly fans of Rangers International, as the Enugu-based club seeks to progress in Africa’s premier club competition.
