Al Ahly requests a neutral venue for CAF Champions League final

Al Ahly has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration after Confederation of African Football (CAF) picked Morocco as hosts for the Champions League final, to be kicked-off on May 30.

The North African giants are on the track to reach another final after they edge ES Setif 4-0 in the semi-final first leg fixture at Al-Salam Stadium Cairo on Saturday.

CAF revealed on Monday that the Champions League decider will be held in Morocco for the second season in a row, which left the Egyptian giants did not receive well as they had requested that the final be moved to a neutral venue.

The Red devils have now issued a statement contesting the decision by the African body.

The club had this to say in the statement: "Al Ahly SC decided to present an appeal to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) against the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of not holding the 2022 CAF Champions League final in a neutral venue, aside from the venues of the four semi-finalists, in addition to other violations that do not meet the Olympic Charter, FIFA and CAF regulations," the statement read, per club's official website.

"The club has previously demanded CAF to play the game in a neutral venue and will appeal against CAF's decision, requesting CAS to resolve the situation before the competition's final.

"CAF announced in their statement, which was published yesterday on CAF's official platforms, the chosen venue to host the game and mentioned in the same statement that they are in discussions to revert to the old two-legged home and away final.

"Moreover, Al Ahly SC hopes that CAF will be keen not to disrupt justice and that they will provide CAS with all the required documents that will help in achieving justice.

"Al Ahly's decision to appeal to CAS came after CAF took the decision to hold the CAF Champions League final in the same venue for the second season in a row.

"This decision will give a home advantage to a certain team that will play at home in front of their fans in addition to violating other laws and regulations.

"CAF stated that their decision was based on the fact that there was only one bidder available to host the match without giving a proper explanation over the reasons behind the withdrawal of the other bid."