The Confederation of African Football Disciplinary Board has rejected Rangers International’s request for their CAF Champions League return leg against MC Alger to be played behind closed doors.
However, the continental body confirmed that it will open disciplinary proceedings over the incidents reported during the first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
Rangers had petitioned CAF following their 2-0 victory over the Algerian champions on Sunday, alleging that visiting supporters damaged stadium property and gained unauthorised entry into the venue.
The Enugu club reported the destruction of an entrance gate, vandalisation of seats, entry without payment of gate fees and other acts of disorder. Rangers subsequently asked CAF to introduce precautionary measures ahead of the return fixture, including ordering the match to be played without supporters.
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In its decision dated October 22, CAF rejected the request for the second leg, scheduled for Friday in Algiers, to be played behind closed doors.
“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 decision read.
CAF nevertheless added that its Disciplinary Board “will open disciplinary proceedings concerning the incidents reported during the first-leg match between Rangers International FC and MC Alger.”
The decision was delivered by a three-member panel comprising chairperson Ousmane Kane of Senegal, Jane Njeri Onyango of Kenya and Patrick Shale of Lesotho.
MC Alger had denied the vandalism allegations, claiming it possessed evidence that the affected seats were already damaged before the match. The Algerian club also accused match officials of biased officiating and complained that members of its delegation and official cameraman were harassed during the encounter.
Rangers carry a two-goal advantage into the decisive return leg after Kenneth Igboke and Emo James scored late in Abeokuta. Igboke converted an 87th-minute penalty before James doubled the lead three minutes later.
Both teams finished the first leg with 10 players after Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was dismissed in the opening quarter of an hour and MC Alger’s Oussama Benhaoua received a second yellow card in the second half.
The Flying Antelopes must now protect their advantage in Algiers to secure a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
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