The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ordered the Confederation of African Football to postpone the upcoming matches between CR Belouizdad and FC Nouadhibou. These fixtures were originally scheduled to take place on 17 October and 25 October 2024. The Lausanne-based tribunal issued the directive to pause the Confederation Cup series, impacting the tournament schedule for both clubs. CAF must now adjust its programming for these specific encounters following the intervention by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. No revised dates for the matches between the Algerian and Mauritanian sides have been announced by the governing body.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport issued this formal instruction to the Confederation of African Football as a direct consequence of the legal proceedings initiated regarding the scheduling of the second preliminary round. By mandating the postponement of the matches slated for 17 October and 25 October 2024, the tribunal has placed a temporary hold on the progression of this specific bracket of the competition. The governing body is now tasked with managing the logistical implications of this order, which affects the calendar for both CR Belouizdad and FC Nouadhibou.
Dispute Over Match Scheduling
Hafia FC submitted a formal complaint to the Court of Arbitration for Sport concerning the decision by CAF to reschedule their fixture against FC Nouadhibou for 19 September 2024. Before approaching the Lausanne-based tribunal, the club attempted to resolve the matter directly with the governing body. Hafia FC filed an appeal to CAF on 16 September 2024, but the organization provided no response to the request. This lack of communication from the Confederation of African Football prompted the club to seek intervention from the Court of Arbitration for Sport to address the scheduling grievance.
Separate scheduling complications affected the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup involving other participants. CR Belouizdad held a fixture against FC Nouadhibou that was slated to occur in Mauritania on Saturday, 12 October 2024. This match was a key component of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. Preparations for this encounter involved travel arrangements for the Algerian side to ensure they reached the host nation in time for the kickoff. The CR Belouizdad delegation departed for Mauritania on the evening of Thursday, 10 October 2024, to fulfill the commitment for the scheduled match.
The logistical planning required for this trip was significant, as the team had to coordinate international travel to Mauritania. Despite these efforts, the broader scheduling dispute involving Hafia FC and the subsequent legal actions taken before the Court of Arbitration for Sport have created a state of uncertainty for the tournament. The Confederation of African Football remains under the obligation to adhere to the directives issued by the tribunal, which has now halted the previously confirmed dates of 17 October and 25 October 2024 for the matches involving CR Belouizdad and FC Nouadhibou. The governing body has yet to provide updated information regarding when these matches will eventually proceed.