Nabil Maaloul steps down from CR Belouizdad after tense USM Alger draw

Nabil Maaloul has resigned as manager of CR Belouizdad after his side drew 2-2 with USM Alger in a highly eventful Algerian Professional League match.

The Tunisian announced his decision on Saturday following the seventh-round fixture at 5 July Stadium, having spent only six matches in charge of the Algiers club.

The game was marked by repeated disputes over refereeing decisions, with international referee Mustafa Ghorbal awarding three penalties during the contest. USM Alger player Abada was sent off, while Maaloul also received a red card after protesting against the officials.

According to Algerian newspaper El Khabar, Maaloul formally confirmed his resignation after the match, with the result and his objections to Ghorbal’s decisions understood to have influenced his decision.

The former Tunisia manager revealed his intention to leave during the post-match news conference. He answered questions from journalists before announcing his withdrawal from the role but gave no further explanation about the reasons behind his departure.

CR Belouizdad have not yet issued an official statement on the manager’s decision.

Reports in Algeria suggest Maaloul could meet the club’s officials at a later stage to discuss his position. It remains unclear whether his resignation is final or whether it was made in the immediate aftermath of the contentious match.