USM Alger will no longer be permitted to play at the Mustapha-Tchaker Stadium in Blida following a dispute triggered by post-match comments from assistant coach Hadj Adlene.
His criticism of the pitch conditions after the 4th round league match against USM Khenchela was reportedly met with strong disapproval from stadium officials, who have since refused to host the Algerian Cup holders.
Adlene’s remarks came despite efforts by stadium staff to prepare the surface, and his comments are said to have offended management at the venue.
The decision was reinforced by frustration over clashes between groups of supporters during the fixture, further straining relations.
The development leaves USMA scrambling to secure a temporary home while awaiting the reopening of either the July 5 Stadium or Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Both remain unavailable for now, meaning the club must look elsewhere for its upcoming league matches.
According to information received, USMA leadership has been formally notified of Blida’s refusal, forcing them to consider alternatives.
The Omar-Hamadi Stadium in Bologhine, where the team currently trains, is emerging as the most viable solution.
A return to their historic ground at Saint-Eugène appears the likeliest option—albeit with significant restrictions.
The key condition for using Omar-Hamadi is that matches must be played behind closed doors.
Due to safety concerns and the deterioration of the stands, supporters cannot be accommodated until renovation work is carried out.
Unless improvements are made swiftly, USM Alger will have no choice but to play without their fans in attendance.
The situation is further complicated by scheduling.
USMA will not need a home ground immediately, as they travel to Béchar this weekend to face JS Saoura at the 20-Août-1955 Stadium.
However, officials have a two-week window to resolve the issue before their next home fixture.
For now, the club’s management faces an urgent decision: either accept playing in an empty stadium at Bologhine or push for expedited renovations to allow fans back into the stands. The uncertainty has already sparked frustration among supporters, with many fearing that the absence of home backing could affect the team’s performance in a crucial phase of the season.
What began as a dispute over a pitch has escalated into a significant logistical and sporting challenge for one of Algeria’s most successful clubs, leaving the fate of their home matches hanging in the balance.
