The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has dismissed the appeal lodged by Moroccan club Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) against its disqualification from the 2024-2025 CAF Champions League. The decision, announced on March 18, 2026, upholds the original ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board.
Wydad Casablanca was expelled from the competition for fielding an ineligible player during their second preliminary round, second-leg match against AS Douanes of Burkina Faso on September 29, 2024. The player in question was deemed to have been improperly registered.
As a result of the upheld disqualification, AS Douanes is reinstated in the competition and will advance. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) issued a statement acknowledging the decision, emphasizing the importance of respecting competition regulations and the stability of international tournaments.
The ruling by the CAF Appeal Board is final and binding, closing the case on the matter. The incident highlights CAF's ongoing enforcement of its registration and eligibility rules within its premier club competition.
