The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) made a significant ruling on Friday, October 16, 2026, ordering the postponement of the second preliminary round matches of the CAF Confederation Cup between AS Douanes and CR Bélouizdad. Originally scheduled for October 17 and 25, these matches are suspended following an appeal filed by Hafia FC.
The Guinean club contested the CAF's decision to replay their away match from the first round against AS Douanes, arguing that the absence of the Mauritanian club in Conakry on September 11 was due to organizational failures and not a case of force majeure. The CAS noted that the CAF's decision lacked justification and that the internal appeal submitted by Hafia FC had received no response.
This ruling represents a temporary victory for Hafia FC, which sees its rights protected within the procedure. The club emphasizes that this decision prevents a “fait accompli” from negating the effect of its appeal. The main procedure continues before the CAS, and Hafia FC is committed to keeping its supporters informed of upcoming developments.
This development adds a legal and sporting dimension to the competition, highlighting that the CAF Cup is also marked by confrontations off the field, where consistency and fairness must be ensured.
