Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul has announced his resignation as head coach of CR Belouizdad following the club’s 2-2 draw with USM Alger, although uncertainty remains over whether he will leave the Algerian side.
Maaloul made the announcement during his post-match press conference on Saturday after Belouizdad surrendered a two-goal advantage in the Algiers derby.
The coach expressed his frustration with the result and refereeing decisions, particularly a penalty he believed his team should have received following an incident involving forward Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda.
“I thank the Madar group, the management and the supporters for their support, but I can no longer continue my mission,” Maaloul said, according to Algerian media reports.
His announcement initially raised questions about the club’s immediate plans, with no successor publicly confirmed.
However, subsequent reports from Algeria indicate that the club’s management does not want Maaloul to leave and views his statement as a reaction to the disappointment of the derby. The club is reportedly keen for him to continue in charge.
Maaloul took charge of CR Belouizdad in July and had overseen an unbeaten start to the league campaign, collecting 14 points from six matches before the draw with USM Alger, according to local reports.
The 2-2 result and the coach’s subsequent comments have therefore created uncertainty around a team that had made a positive start to the domestic season.
For now, the situation remains unresolved. While Maaloul has publicly announced his intention to resign, reports suggest Belouizdad’s leadership is seeking to persuade him to remain in the role.
The coming days are expected to clarify whether the Tunisian will follow through on his decision or continue leading the club through its domestic and continental commitments.
