Sundowns Push for Date Shift, AS FAR Raise Weather Concerns Ahead of Final

By Kunle Solaja

Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR have both raised concerns over the scheduling of the first leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League final, prompting the Confederation of African Football to review the match calendar.

The opening fixture is currently slated for Friday, May 15, in Pretoria, but South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns have formally requested a postponement by two days. The club is proposing a new date of Sunday, May 17, with a 3:00 p.m. kickoff at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Sundowns’ request is largely driven by attendance considerations. Club officials are understood to be concerned that a Friday evening fixture could limit crowd turnout due to work commitments and travel constraints for supporters. A weekend afternoon match, they believe, would create a fuller stadium and a more vibrant atmosphere befitting a continental final.

There is also a logistical factor influencing the request. Loftus Versfeld is scheduled to host a rugby match involving the Blue Bulls on Saturday, making it impractical to shift the game by just one day and strengthening Sundowns’ preference for a Sunday fixture.

However, their opponents, Morocco’s AS FAR, are said to have their own reservations—particularly regarding the proposed kickoff time. The North African side are reportedly wary of a 3:00 p.m. start in Pretoria, where warmer afternoon temperatures could present challenging playing conditions.

AS FAR are believed to view an early-afternoon kickoff as potentially advantageous to the hosts, who are more accustomed to the local climate. With the stakes of a Champions League final so high, even marginal factors such as weather and match timing are being carefully scrutinised.

While discussions continue over the first leg, the return fixture remains scheduled for May 24 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

CAF is now studying the situation, weighing multiple considerations before making a final decision. These include sporting fairness, broadcast commitments, stadium logistics, travel arrangements and security planning.

Beyond continental glory, the outcome of the final carries significant global implications. The winners will secure places in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 CAF Super Cup.

Both finalists have previously lifted Africa’s most prestigious club trophy. AS FAR claimed their title in 1985, while Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned champions in 2016

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