JS Kabylie will welcome FAR Rabat on Saturday in the third round of the CAF Champions League group stage.
Both teams are in Group B alongside Egypt’s Al Ahly and Tanzania’s Young Africans. Al Ahly currently tops the group with four points, narrowly ahead of Young Africans on goal difference.
Meanwhile, FAR Rabat and JS Kabylie sit third and fourth respectively, each with one point.
Financial Dispute Threatens Match
Algerian newspaper Echorouk has reported that JS Kabylie players are considering refusing to play against FAR Rabat due to unpaid wages.
The report added that midfielder Mehdi Merghem has already asked club management to terminate his contract, claiming he has not been paid for five months despite being tied to the club until the summer of 2027.
The situation has also impacted preparations, with German coach Joseph Zinnbauer reportedly unable to fully ready the team ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
Group Stage Form
JS Kabylie began their campaign with a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Al Ahly. They then secured a 0-0 draw at home against Young Africans in the second round.
FAR Rabat, meanwhile, opened with a 1-0 loss away to Young Africans. In the second round, they earned a 1-1 draw at home against Al Ahly.
Saturday’s clash is now not only crucial for both teams’ ambitions in the group, but also comes amid a growing financial dispute that could affect JS Kabylie’s lineup and readiness.
