RS Berkane in shock—Hamza El Moussaoui suspended for two years by CAF

On the eve of a major continental tournament semifinal, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane has been dealt a heavy blow to their CAF Champions League hopes by a decision with far-reaching consequences. The Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down a two-year suspension to Hamza El Moussaoui, found guilty of violating anti-doping rules.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RS Berkane (@rsbfootball)

According to an official source, the full-back for the Oriental club tested positive after the match against Pyramids FC, played in the group stage of the Champions League. The tests confirmed the presence of a substance on the list of prohibited products for 2026.

In its reasoning, the disciplinary body emphasized the absence of any Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), a determining factor that led to a harsher sanction. Furthermore, the player reportedly admitted to using the substance after being notified of the results, and subsequently waived the analysis of the B sample, which expedited the proceedings.

Severe sanction met with resistance by RS Berkane

The sanction is unequivocal: a two-year firm suspension, with immediate effect, prohibiting El Moussaoui from any participation in competitions organized by CAF and FIFA, apart from possible supervised rehabilitation programs.

According to our information, the club’s management reacted swiftly by filing an appeal with the relevant CAF bodies. This action opens the door to a possible review of the case, but does not automatically suspend the execution of the sanction.

A tough blow for Berkane, both in sporting and symbolic terms, as the club prepares to play a high-tension Champions League semi-final first leg against AS FAR this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. at the Moulay Abdellah complex in Rabat.

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original article written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.