CAF orders replay of Champions League final

“As a result, the match will have to be replayed at a ground outside of Tunisia… [and] Esperance will have to give trophy back. The match will be played after the Africa Cup of Nations at a date to be determined,” Hamel added.

Tunisian media reported that officials were aware that the VAR system was not working, but the players seemingly did not know.

Wydad believed they had levelled on 59 minutes when Walid el Karti headed a cross into the net. TV replays confirmed he was onside, but might have fouled an opponent with his shoulder.

The Moroccan team insisted that the Gambian referee check with VAR, apparently unaware that the often controversial system was unavailable. Wydad substitutes and coach Faouzi Benzarti joined in the protests, while plastic bottles containing liquid were also flung toward the visiting players and staff as tempers flared.

At one stage, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad and the bosses of Esperance and Wydad spoke on the side of the pitch without succeeding in getting the match restarted.

VAR had played a major role in the first leg in Morocco, with referrals ruling out a goal by Wydad and later appeals for a penalty by the Moroccans.