Al Merreikh vice president Adel Abugreisha says Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane's participation in this year's CAF Champions League draw is a potential conflict of interest.
Abugreisha felt is was wrong for Mosimane to be involved in any way with the draw as he was the head coach of one of the participating teams in the Champions League last 16.
Al Ahly are in Group A along with Mamelodi Sundowns and Sudanese sides Al Hilal and Al Merreikh.
“For the first time, one of the coaches of the 16 participating teams that qualified for the Champions League was involved in the draw,” Abugreisha told Al-Hayah TV.
“We lodged a protest to the Confederation of African Football, through an official letter, through President Hazem Mostafa, because of Mosimane picking the teams in the Champions League draw, and we have not received a response from CAF so far.
“This has nothing to do with our relationship with the clubs, the matter is for the Confederation of African Football, Mosimane was an opponent and a referee in the draw, and this happened for the first time. It’s unjust for the Al Ahly coach to take part in the draw,” Abugreisha added.
Abugreisha then confirmed the club would not be able to host home games as their Al Merriekh Stadium is under construction.
“Our stadium is not ready and will not be ready to host our matches in the Champions League,” Abugreisha added.
“We have identified four alternative stadiums before the draw, including Al Ahly Stadium, or Al-Salam stadium in Egypt, next Al-Hilal and Al-Abyad stadiums in Sudan, and another stadium in Ethiopia.
“The decision to choose the stadium will be based on our desire without coordination with CAF, and we hope to play our matches in Sudan, but things are currently unstable due to the country’s situation.”
