Ouahbi Case: Al Hilal Omdurman Files Official Protest Over Doping Suspicion

Sudanese club Al Hilal Omdurman issued an official statement on Monday setting out its position on the match against Renaissance Berkane in the CAF Champions League, played on 22 March 2026, amid the ongoing controversy over the participation of one of the Berkane club's players.

In its statement, the Sudanese club affirmed that Renaissance Berkane player Hamza El Moussaoui had undergone an anti-doping test, with the results of sample "A" showing that he had taken a banned substance included on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list. It also noted that the player had been officially notified of the positive test result before waiving his right to have sample "B" analysed, which is considered an acknowledgement of the validity of the result under the regulations of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

Al Hilal explained that no medical or legal justification permitting the use of the banned substance had been provided, noting that the player had initially been provisionally suspended for 30 days pending the completion of the procedure, before that suspension was suddenly lifted, allowing him to take part in both encounters between the two clubs. The club regards this as a clear breach of the principle of equal opportunity and of the integrity of the competition.

The statement added that the player took part in the match on 14 March 2026 and had a direct impact on its outcome, after winning a penalty in stoppage time from which his team scored the equalising goal. He also played in the return leg, which ended, on aggregate, with a Renaissance Berkane win by two goals to one.

Al Hilal stressed that it had lodged two official protests before the kick-off of both matches, submitted to the match commissioners in accordance with the applicable legal procedures, objecting to the player's eligibility to participate.

The club expressed its deep surprise and grave concern over what it described as a "clear irregularity" in the conduct of the competition, reaffirming its commitment to the principles of fair play and its categorical rejection of any violations that undermine the integrity of football.

In conclusion, Al Hilal announced that it had submitted an official request to take part in the relevant disciplinary proceedings, affirming its determination to pursue all legal steps to ensure a transparent and comprehensive investigation that delivers justice and preserves the credibility of the African competition.