Mehdi Rabhi has officially stepped down from his role as president of CR Belouizdad’s board of directors, bringing an end to a tenure marked by a decline in the club’s domestic and continental fortunes.
Rabhi, who was appointed chairman of the board in February 2023, tendered his resignation following CRB’s 2-0 defeat to USM Alger in the Algerian Cup — a result that proved to be the final blow after a string of underwhelming performances.
The 53-year-old, a long-time supporter of the club and a familiar figure in its administrative ranks since the early 2000s, had already been under increasing pressure for months.
His time at the helm saw the club fall short of expectations, beginning with the loss of the league title and culminating in CR Belouizdad failing to qualify for the CAF Champions League for the first time in five seasons.
Although he did guide the club to victory in the 2024 Algerian Cup, the triumph was not enough to overshadow the broader frustrations among the club’s supporters.
Rabhi had signalled his intention to leave as early as the beginning of the 2024/25 season, following a shock home defeat against El Bayadh.
That result triggered a wave of criticism from fans, many of whom openly called for his departure, citing stagnation in club strategy and underperformance in key fixtures.
Despite the growing dissent, Rabhi remained in office for several months, attempting to stabilise the club’s fortunes. However, the latest cup exit to USM Alger proved a tipping point, compelling him to formalise his departure.
His resignation, confirmed on Monday, leaves a vacuum at the top of the club’s leadership during a critical period of transition.
While no official successor has been named, internal discussions are reportedly underway, and speculation has already emerged around a potential replacement.
Sources suggest that a well-known, media-friendly member of the club’s board may be poised to assume the role — a move that could signal a shift in the club’s approach both on and off the pitch.
Rabhi’s departure brings to a close a turbulent chapter for CR Belouizdad, a club with a rich history and high expectations. Under his leadership, the team struggled to maintain the consistent dominance that had become its hallmark in recent years.
Key matches were lost, transfer policies were questioned, and the failure to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season has dealt a financial and reputational blow.
Despite the criticism, Rabhi’s long-standing service to the club is unlikely to be forgotten. Having been involved behind the scenes for more than two decades, his commitment to CRB has never been in doubt — even if his time as president fell short of the ambitions set when he took office.
As the club looks to rebuild, fans will be eager to see a more strategic direction and renewed energy at the executive level. The next appointment will be crucial in restoring stability and guiding CR Belouizdad back to the top of Algerian and African football.
For now, the search for new leadership begins, while the legacy of Mehdi Rabhi’s presidency continues to stir debate among supporters and observers alike.
