Rangers International have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to order their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round return leg against MC Alger to be played behind closed doors following the destruction of stadium property and other acts of misconduct by Algerian supporters in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian champions secured a 2-0 victory in Sunday’s first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on 18 October 2026, before lodging a formal complaint with CAF over the conduct of the visiting supporters.
In a letter addressed to CAF’s Interclubs Competitions Organising Committee and Disciplinary Board, Rangers accused MC Alger supporters of breaking down a stadium entrance gate to gain entry, bypassing ticketing arrangements and vandalising seats after the match.
Damaged seats at the MKO Abiola Stadium. Photo Credit: Athletic NG
The Enugu-based club said the incidents raised serious concerns about spectator safety, stadium security and respect for football infrastructure during continental competitions.
Rangers have requested that CAF order the return leg on Friday, 23 October, in Algiers to be played without spectators as a precautionary measure.
They also called for an immediate investigation, appropriate disciplinary sanctions against any party found responsible and payment of outstanding admission fees resulting from the unauthorised entry.
MC Alger’s travelling supporters brought colour and passion to Abeokuta, but their team’s 2–0 defeat to Rangers ended in ugly scenes as fans confronted the technical team and damaged stadium seats.
The complaint, signed by Rangers Management Corporation general manager and chief executive officer Amobi Ezeaku, stated that the destruction of the entrance gate compromised stadium access-control procedures, while the subsequent entry without payment undermined ticketing arrangements and resulted in lost gate revenue.
The club further reported that MC Alger supporters vandalised stadium seats and damaged facilities after the final whistle.
Rangers submitted photographs and video recordings of the damaged seats as evidence in support of their complaint.
Rangers raise security concerns ahead of Algiers return
With the second leg scheduled for Friday in Algeria, Rangers said the incidents in Abeokuta had heightened concerns about the safety of their players, technical crew, officials and travelling delegation.
The club argued that it should not be required to participate in the return fixture without reasonable assurances that adequate security measures would be in place.
Rangers also asked CAF to require MC Alger and the Algerian Football Federation to provide written guarantees covering the security of the visiting delegation, effective crowd control, protection against violence and intimidation, and measures to prevent further damage to stadium facilities.
The Nigerian champions stressed that their request for a closed-door fixture was intended as a preventive measure rather than punishment for supporters who obey the rules.
They warned that the incidents went beyond ordinary expressions of disappointment or rivalry and raised questions about respect for stadium regulations and the standards of conduct expected in an international football competition.
Rangers cite CAF regulations in complaint
Rangers based their complaint on several provisions of the CAF Champions League regulations, including those governing the powers of the Interclubs Competitions Organising Committee, disciplinary measures, the responsibilities of match commissioners and ticketing arrangements.
The club cited Articles II(3)(g) and (h), which concern the Organising Committee’s authority to determine complaints and apply appropriate sanctions, as well as Article VII(5), relating to disciplinary measures.
It also referenced Articles VIII(3.11) and (3.12), which outline the match commissioner’s responsibilities to observe match proceedings, including spectator behaviour, and submit a detailed report to the CAF Secretariat within 48 hours.
Rangers further cited Article XIX(1) on ticketing, arguing that entry into the stadium without payment raised concerns about compliance with the competition’s admission arrangements and the protection of match revenue.
The club urged CAF to obtain and review the reports of the match commissioner and other relevant officials, alongside the evidence submitted, before making a decision.
Rangers also asked the governing body to communicate its decision before Friday’s return fixture, citing the limited time available to address the security concerns.
In its concluding remarks, the club maintained that passion for football could not justify the destruction of property or the circumvention of lawful entry procedures.
The complaint stated: “Passion must never become a justification for the destruction of property, the circumvention of lawful entry procedures or conduct that threatens the safety and dignity of a continental sporting event.”
Rangers said they remained committed to complying with CAF regulations and ensuring that the return fixture proceeded in a safe and orderly environment.
The two-goal advantage gives Rangers a strong position heading into Friday’s return leg, where they will seek to secure progression to the next stage of the CAF Champions League.
