After a long debate in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, CAF’s disciplinary board rendered its decision over the chaotic Champions League return leg final, declaring Esperance Tunis as champions over WAC Casablanca of Morocco. Both teams were however fined for “breaching the body’s safety regulations”.
The said game, played at Stade Olympique de Rades in Tunis on May 31, was abandoned in the 60th minute when Wydad refused to continue in protest against a faulty VAR. Esperance, who were leading by a lone goal, were declared winners.
CAF, after a review of the circumstances, decided on a replay but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) annulled that decision, noting that CAF Executive Committee lacked the competence to handle the case, and urging the continent’s football governing body to reexamine the matter via its rightful commission (disciplinary board).
WAC have been fined $20,000 for abandoning the game and another $15,000 for the usage of smoke grenades by their supporters.
Esperance president Hamdi Meddeb was handed a fine of $20,000 for “unsporting behaviour” towards CAF president.
For throwing smoke grenades and other objects on the pitch by their fans, Esperance were fined $50,000 and ordered to play two CAF matches behind closed doors.
Esperance won the title last year against Al Ahly of Egypt.
