CAF Rejects Rangers’ Behind-Closed-Doors Request for MC Alger Clash, Opens Disciplinary Probe
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected Rangers International’s request for Friday’s CAF Champions League second preliminary round return-leg encounter against MC Alger to be played behind closed doors in Algeria.
However, the African football governing body has ordered disciplinary proceedings over incidents reported during the first-leg encounter between the two clubs at the MKO Abiola Sports Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a decision issued in Cairo on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the CAF Disciplinary Board dismissed the Nigerian club’s petition seeking to prevent spectators from attending the decisive return fixture scheduled for Friday, October 23.
The decision was delivered by a three-member panel comprising Senegal’s Ousmane Kane as Chairperson, Kenya’s Jane Njeri Onyang’o and Lesotho’s Patrick Shale as members.
“The request submitted by Rangers International FC for the return-leg match between MC Alger and Rangers International FC, scheduled for 23 October 2026, to be played behind closed doors is rejected,” the disciplinary notification stated.
“The Disciplinary Board will open disciplinary proceedings concerning the incidents reported during the first-leg match between Rangers International FC and MC Alger.”
Rangers had approached CAF following their 2-0 first-leg victory over the Algerian side in Abeokuta, alleging serious misconduct by visiting supporters during the encounter.
The Flying Antelopes accused MC Alger fans of breaking down a stadium entrance gate, gaining access to the venue without valid tickets and vandalising seats.
The Nigerian club argued that the alleged incidents raised serious security concerns and urged CAF to order the return leg at the Stade Ali Ammar in Douira, Algiers, to be played without spectators.
Rangers also requested adequate security guarantees for their players and officials ahead of the decisive fixture.
As part of arrangements for the return fixture, CAF has appointed Uganda’s Dixon Okello as Security Officer, while Egypt’s Hisham Salaheldin Mostafa will serve as Match Commissioner.
The appointments form part of CAF’s match supervision and security arrangements for the high-stakes encounter.
