The dispute surrounding Hamza El Moussaoui has escalated into a full-blown legal confrontation, with Al-Hilal Omdurman now giving the Confederation of African Football (CAF) a final deadline before taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
At the heart of the case is the alleged ineligibility of the RS Berkane captain during the CAF Champions League quarter-final matches in March.
Al-Hilal claim that El Moussaoui tested positive for a banned substance (Prednisone/Prednisolone) on January 24. According to the Sudanese club, CAF later imposed a 30-day suspension on March 11, just two days before the first leg.
However, in what Al-Hilal describe as unexplained circumstances, the suspension was lifted on matchday, allowing the player to feature in both legs.
His involvement proved decisive, including winning a penalty that influenced the outcome of the tie.
Frustrated by what they see as a lack of transparency, Al-Hilal have significantly stepped up their response. In a new official statement, the club confirmed it has contacted CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, several senior officials, and the Sudan Football Association, outlining its intention to pursue legal action.
The club’s lawyer stated that a previously set 48-hour deadline for CAF to respond had passed without any reply, despite multiple attempts to engage.
According to the statement, Al-Hilal sent four formal communications:
- A complaint on March 23
- A request to be recognized as an interested party
- A reminder on March 29
- A final request on March 30
None received a response.
🚨 According to Al Hilal, RS Berkane’s Hamza El Moussaoui tested positive for a banned substance on 24 January.
CAF announced his 30-day suspension on 11 March, two days before the two sides met. pic.twitter.com/a3MPaWne8y
— Africa Soccer Zone (@AfricaSoccer_zn) March 30, 2026
Final deadline before CAS
Al-Hilal have now issued a last warning. The club confirmed that its initial deadline expired on April 1, but has granted CAF a final window until the end of April 3 to respond. If no action is taken, the case will be formally referred to CAS, backed by a legal file containing more than 13 documents.
At the same time, Al-Hilal are demanding immediate precautionary measures:
- The suspension of RS Berkane from CAF and FIFA competitions
- A freeze on their participation in ongoing tournaments until a ruling is made
Al-Hilal maintain that the player’s participation directly impacted the results of the matches, turning what might have been a sporting outcome into a legal dispute.
Their position is clear: if a player deemed ineligible influenced the tie, the integrity of the competition has been compromised.
So far, CAF has not publicly clarified the reasons behind lifting the suspension or addressed the club’s communications.
That silence is now central to the controversy.
With the deadline now set, the next move belongs to CAF.
