Tunisia's Esperance react on CAF decision of replaying Champions League final

Ahram Online , Thursday 6 Jun 2019

Champions League title holders Esperance were leading 1-0 in the second leg and 2-1 overall when play was halted, and after a 90-minute delay the referee awarded the match to the home side

Wyded,Esperance
Wyded soccer players refuse to continue playing after the Video assistant referee (VAR) system did not work and the match was interrupted during the 2nd leg of CAF champion league final 2019 football match between Tunisia's Esperance sportive de Tunis and Morocco's Wydad Athletic Club at the Olympic stadium in Rades on May 31, 2019. (Photo: AFP)

Tunisian giants Esperance have announced that they won't give up on their rights in winning the CAF Champions League title after the African football governing body ordered late Wednesday a replay of the abandoned second leg game of the tournament against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.

Esperance were initially handed the title after Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca walked off an hour into last week's return match in Tunis because VAR was unavailable to judge a disallowed equaliser.

"We are surprised after the decision of the African football's governing body," Esperance management said in a statement.

"We will wait until receiving the formal letter from the CAF and we will hold an urgent meeting to appeal on this decision with the specialised international entities."

"We will do our best to save our rights through all legal ways," the statement added.

Late Wednesday, CAF ordered the abandoned second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Esperance and Wydad Casablanca to be replayed at a neutral venue after this month's Cup of Nations.

Champions League title holders Esperance were leading 1-0 in the second leg and 2-1 overall when play was halted, and after a 90-minute delay the referee awarded the match to the home side.

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