CR Belouizdad have been left without a match in Mauritania after the CAF Confederation Cup tie against AS Douanes was postponed just hours before kick-off.
The Algerian club had travelled to Nouakchott for Saturday’s first-leg meeting in the second preliminary round, scheduled for 17 October 2026. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordered the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to delay the two-match tie while it considers a legal challenge brought by Guinea’s Hafia FC.
The provisional measures announced by CAS on Friday, 16 October, also affect the return leg, which had been due to take place between 23 and 25 October. A new schedule will depend on decisions from the relevant authorities.
Hafia FC is disputing CAF’s decision to allow AS Douanes to replay their first-round preliminary second leg after the Mauritanian side failed to appear for the original fixture in Conakry on 11 September.
The delegation’s flight had been involved in an incident while landing in Nouakchott, preventing the team from travelling to Guinea. CAF classified the circumstances as force majeure and ordered the match to be replayed. AS Douanes subsequently won the rearranged fixture 1-0.
Hafia FC then took the matter to CAS, prompting the provisional order that has halted the planned meeting between AS Douanes and CR Belouizdad.
The postponement has forced CR Belouizdad to reorganise its preparations after the club made the journey with the aim of taking an advantage into the return leg and moving closer to qualification for the group stage.
According to information provided by the club’s management, the fixture is expected to be rearranged for the beginning of November. A definitive date has not yet been confirmed.
The dispute has therefore created consequences beyond the postponement of one match. The decision could affect the continuation of the competition, depending on the outcome of the proceedings involving Hafia FC, AS Douanes and CAF.
CR Belouizdad, although not the main party in the case, is the immediate club affected by the legal process. After spending two days in Mauritania for a continental fixture, the Algerian side will now leave without having played.