Share

CAF 'special situation' delays release of club draws

Johannesburg - The 2019 African club qualifying draws were made this weekend in Morocco but not released due to a "special situation", the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said Sunday.

It is believed the "situation" concerns Moroccan clubs in the CAF Confederation Cup, the second-tier competition below the more lucrative and prestigious CAF Champions League.

Hassania Agadir, by finishing third in the league, and Throne (FA) Cup winners Renaissance Berkane or Wydad Fes have qualified for the 2019 Confederation Cup.

But if Raja Casablanca win the two-leg 2018 Confederation Cup final against V Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo they will also be entitled to a place.

CAF does not permit three clubs from one country in the competitions and, ordinarily, Hassania would drop out to make way for Raja, according to the regulations.

But the 2019 qualifiers involving Hassania and Berkane or Fes begin in November between the first and second legs of the 2018 final, leaving the organisers with a headache.

A CAF statement said the matter would be referred to the emergency committee of the African body for a decision.

This is the last year the Champions League and Confederation Cup will be staged from February to November as they switch to August-to-May seasons from next year.

The transitional 2019 competitions begin on November 27 and end by June 1 next year.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE