Sudanese giants Al Hilal have asked CAF for permission to shift their home fixtures to Libya, after plans to host continental matches in Rwanda were thrown into doubt by what the club describes as prohibitive stadium costs.
Initially, the club displaced from Sudan due to conflict, was cleared to compete in Rwanda Premier League and had secured Amahoro Stadium for their CAF Champions League campaign. Their opening Group C match, a 2–1 win over Algeria’s MC Alger, was staged there without incident.
However, internal sources have said that Al Hilal have since written to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requesting permission to host their remaining group games in Libya, pointing to the high fees charged for using Amahoro Stadium.
The team had also intended to use the refurbished stadium for their domestic league fixtures but have instead shifted to Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo.
The CAF Champions League is currently on schedule mid-season break between the first round of group stage matches and the next set of fixtures.
The pause allows teams to recover, manage logistics, and accommodate domestic league schedules. Al Hilal’s upcoming fixtures, including their Group C remain on the CAF calendar, pending any approval for relocated home venues.
Rwanda’s Sports Minister, Nelly Mukazayire, recently explained that Amahoro is now managed by a private operator responsible for setting rental fees. Previously, when the stadium was under government management, clubs were charged far less.
Al Hilal are scheduled to return to Champions League action next month when they host South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, though that match now looks likely to take place on Libyan soil.
