The legal drama that kept CR Belouizdad in suspense has finally reached a conclusion. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of AS Douanes in its dispute with Guinean club Hafia FC. Through an official release, the Mauritanian side confirmed the definitive validation of its qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round. This ruling permanently removes the uncertainty hanging over the tournament structure. The two-legged tie between CR Belouizdad and AS Douanes will indeed take place. Forced into unwanted continental rest due to this courtroom clash, the Chabab can now reactivate preparation and focus fully on this challenge.
While group stage draw procedures were completed several weeks ago, the Red and Whites remained in limbo regarding their second preliminary round matchup in the CAF competition. The Chabab had previously traveled to Mauritania to face AS Douanes, but on match eve, developments shifted when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordered a postponement following Hafia FC’s complaint. Ever since, news regarding this fixture was awaited, leading to a major update Tuesday. Mauritanian club AS Douanes published a statement on its official page confirming that CAS ruled in its favor, thereby validating its qualification. Consequently, the Chabab will travel back to Nouakchott to confront AS Douanes and aim for group stage qualification.
With matters now official, CRB can concentrate on preparing for this pivotal assignment, given that African competition represents a primary objective for the squad. However, the key takeaway remains that all this commotion ultimately yielded nothing, as CAS simply upheld CAF’s initial choice to qualify AS Douanes after its victory. In the end, it was lost time, and CRB must now prepare to make the trip back to Mauritania. Although the Chabab knows its rival for this final preliminary hurdle, another critical parameter remains unknown. The Mauritanian club did not specify exact dates for the home-and-away legs, leaving the Red and Whites unsure when the first and second matches will occur. Belouizdad officials now await communication from CAF, specifically precise scheduling, so travel arrangements and optimal preparation conditions can begin. The stakes of this upcoming clash are huge for Belouizdad’s squad. The aggregate winner secures a prized spot in Group C, an open group featuring Congolese side AS Maniema Union, Tanzanian team Singida Black Stars, and Zambian club Red Arrows FC. Now relieved by this regulatory clarity, Belouizdad awaits only the official timetable from the African Football Confederation. CAF is expected to issue the revised match dates shortly to finalize the Group C lineup. The precise schedule for both fixtures remains the last missing piece.
CR Belouizdad Mourns Its Last Founding Member
CR Belouizdad has lost one of the final guardians of its history. Messaoud Merad, affectionately called “Ammi Messaoud,” passed away Sunday evening. He was the sole surviving signatory among the twelve founders who established the club on July 15, 1962, following independence through the merger of Widad Riadhi de Belcourt and Club Sportif de Belcourt. A former moudjahid, the deceased dedicated much of his existence to his neighborhood and team. He continuously defended Chabab’s heritage and principles, voicing his position whenever the institution’s future demanded it. His devotion remained undiminished late into life. In July 2023, at age 93, he attended the trophy presentation for CRB’s fourth consecutive league title, where the Belouizdad community paid him a resounding tribute. With his passing, a foundational chapter of the club’s history closes.