Rangers Petition CAF to Order MC Alger Return Leg Behind Closed Doors
Rangers International have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to order their CAF Champions League return leg against MC Alger to be played behind closed doors following the destruction of stadium property by Algerian supporters in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian champions made the request after defeating MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
In a formal complaint to CAF, Rangers accused some MC Alger supporters of damaging stadium facilities, breaking down an entrance gate and entering the venue without following ticketing procedures.
The club also reported that seats were vandalised after the match, raising concerns about stadium security and the safety of people attending continental football competitions.
Rangers, through their general manager and chief executive officer, Amobi Ezeaku, asked CAF to investigate the incidents and impose appropriate sanctions on those found responsible.
The club also requested payment of outstanding admission fees resulting from the reported unauthorised entry.
The complaint included photographs and video recordings of the damaged seats as evidence.
Rangers said the incidents had raised serious concerns ahead of the return leg scheduled for Friday, October 23, in Algiers, Algeria.
The Nigerian side urged CAF to ensure that adequate security measures were put in place to protect their players, technical crew, officials and other members of the travelling delegation.
They also asked CAF to require MC Alger and the Algerian Football Federation to provide written assurances on security, crowd control and protection against violence and intimidation.
Rangers explained that their request for a closed-door match was intended to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of everyone involved, rather than punish supporters who behave responsibly.
The club also cited several provisions of CAF Champions League regulations relating to disciplinary measures, ticketing arrangements and the responsibilities of match commissioners.
Rangers urged CAF to review the match commissioner’s report and other relevant evidence before making a decision ahead of Friday’s encounter.
The club stressed that football passion should not be used to justify the destruction of property or disregard for stadium entry procedures.
Despite the off-field concerns, Rangers hold a 2-0 advantage going into the second leg and will aim to secure qualification for the next round of the CAF Champions League.
