Nabil Maaloul resigns as CR Belouizdad manager after USM Alger draw

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

The Tunisian coach announced his decision on Saturday following the seventh-round fixture at 5 July Stadium, which featured three penalties, two red cards and a series of protests over the refereeing.

Maaloul had been in charge of CR Belouizdad for only six matches. According to Algerian newspaper El Khabar, the result and the decisions of international referee Mustapha Ghorbal contributed to his decision to leave.

Ghorbal dismissed Maaloul during the match after the coach repeatedly objected to the officiating. USM Alger player Abada was also shown a red card in a match played in an increasingly tense atmosphere.

The referee awarded three penalties during the encounter, with both teams involved in repeated disputes over his decisions.

Maaloul confirmed his resignation at the post-match news conference after answering questions from journalists. He did not provide further details about the reasons behind his departure.

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

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