Hamz El Moussaoui, the left-back has been handed a two-year ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
The decision, confirmed by CAF’s disciplinary authorities, comes after a routine anti-doping test conducted during a continental fixture earlier this season. According to reports, the test revealed the presence of a substance included on the official list of banned products, with no Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) provided by the player. In a move that accelerated the process, El Moussaoui reportedly acknowledged the findings and chose not to request the analysis of the B sample. This effectively confirmed the violation and led to a firm two-year suspension, effective immediately, preventing him from participating in all competitions governed by CAF and FIFA. A Major Setback for Berkane The timing couldn’t be worse for RS Berkane. The Moroccan side is currently competing at the highest level of African football and was preparing for a decisive Champions League semi-final. Losing a starting full-back at this stage is not just a tactical issue, it’s a structural one. El Moussaoui has been a consistent presence in Berkane’s defensive setup, bringing both experience and stability to the squad. His absence now forces the coaching staff into last-minute adjustments, potentially reshaping the team’s balance in one of the most critical moments of their season. Club Reaction and Possible Appeal Following the announcement, Berkane’s management moved quickly, filing an appeal in hopes of reviewing or reducing the sanction. However, under CAF regulations, such appeals do not automatically suspend the punishment, meaning the player remains sidelined for now. Internally, the case also raises questions around player education and medical supervision. Anti-doping violations, whether intentional or not, often highlight gaps in monitoring supplements and treatments, an issue clubs across the continent continue to face. Bigger Picture: A Reminder for African Football Beyond Berkane, this case sends a strong message across African football. CAF has increasingly tightened its stance on anti-doping regulations, aligning more closely with global standards. The sanction against El Moussaoui reflects a zero-tolerance approach, reinforcing the importance of compliance at every level of the game. For Berkane, the focus now shifts back to the pitch, but without one of their key defensive assets. For El Moussaoui, it’s a long road ahead, with two years away from competitive football likely to redefine the trajectory of his career.