Al Hilal, Al Merrikh told: ‘No CAF football, nor prize money’

Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman and Al Merrikh will pay the heavy price of competing in Rwanda’s BK Pro League as guest teams, due to the ongoing war in their home country.

Two Sudanese Premier League sides will not receive prize money if they win the BK Pro League and Peace Cup titles. The Rwanda Premier League (RPL) has confirmed the development via a statement.

ITANGAZO – ANNOUNCEMENT pic.twitter.com/rMUH5t7PXv

— BK Pro League (@bkproleague) May 12, 2026

Al Hilal and Al Merrikh told the brutal truth

Furthermore, Al Merrikh and Al Hilal will not be allowed to represent Rwanda in CAF inter-club competitions—the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup.

“We would also like to remind all stakeholders that if this club also wins the Peace Cup, the next highest ranked Rwandan club in the league standings will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup in accordance with FERWAFA competition regulations,” reads the statement.

The RPL released the statement after Al Hilal closed in on the BK Pro League championship over the weekend.

“In addition, the highest-ranked Rwandan club will be crowned BK Pro League National Champions and will represent Rwanda in the 2026-2027 CAF Champions League,” adds the statement.

“If a Sudanese club finishes in first place in this season’s BK Pro League will be awarded the title of BK Pro League champions for 2025-2026,” reads part of the statement. “However, these gust clubs will not be eligible for the financial prizes allocated to the best-performing teams.”

Not yet over 🔥#BKProLeague #BankiYaRuhago #DareToBeMore pic.twitter.com/Gan9zVQAqL

— BK Pro League (@bkproleague) May 11, 2026

Al Hilal close in on BK Pro League crown

Al Hilal inched closer to the league title after overcoming AS Muhanga 2-0 on Sunday, 10 May 2026, to open an 11-point lead at the top of the pile. They are miles ahead of the second-ranked Rwanda side APR FC, each with four and three games to go, respectively.

It means the honour of receiving domestic league championship prize money and participating in the 2027 CAF inter-club competitions favours the Rwandan clubs, including Rayon Sports FC and Kiyovu Sports FC, who are in fourth and fifth positions on the log table in that order. Al Merrikh sits third in the table.

Nonetheless, RPL says it is grateful with the role the guest teams have played in elevating the performance standards of the Rwanda league. Meanwhile, the two guest teams are expected to participate in the elite league in Sudan later in May.