CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns’ Match Against CR Belouizdad Called Off

Mamelodi Sundowns’ second group match in this season’s African Champions League against CR Belouizdad in Algeria will not go on as planned.

Sundowns, Thursday night, confirmed this development via a statement on its official website and social media pages.

The South African Premier Soccer League champions were scheduled to fly to Algiers today for their CAF Champions League match against the Belouizdad on Tuesday next week.

Sundowns communication team indicates that the trip has been cancelled after the Algerian Football Federation failed to secure waiver for the travelling Sundowns delegation.

“Sundowns will not be travelling to Algeria for their CAF CL match against CR Belouizdad after receiving communication from CAF confirming that the match which was scheduled for Tuesday, 23 Feb, has been cancelled due to further medical restrictions in Algeria,” reads part of the club statement.

“The cancellation comes after the Algerian FA requested a postponement due to further medical restrictions in Algeria, whilst Mamelodi Sundowns were preparing for departure to Algeria.

“Mamelodi Sundowns had made all the necessary arrangements and acquired visas which were made available by the Algerian Embassy last week Friday (12 February 2021).

“By the time of receiving the communication from CAF earlier today, Mamelodi Sundowns was about to travel to the OR Tambo International Airport to catch a flight that would take them to Doha for a connecting flight to Algeria.

“CAF’s competitions division has advised that the case will be submitted to CAF Organizing Committee for Inter-Club Competitions to take the necessary decision, which will be communicated to all concerned parties in due time”.

“Mamelodi Sundowns is disappointed with the timing of the communication and the way that this situation has unfolded today.”

South Africa is reported as the origin of a new variant of the COVID-19, which is far more transmissible than the original strain.