Mamelodi Sundowns’ Caf Champions League Group B match against CR Belouizdad on Tuesday has been cancelled due to ‘further medical restrictions’ in Algeria.
The Brazilians became the second South African team behind Kaizer Chiefs to be denied entry to North Africa country for their group stage Caf Champions League group stage match in less than two weeks.
Sundowns received their visas from the Algerian embassy last week Friday ahead of their scheduled group stage clash against CR Belouizdad on Tuesday, 23 February 2021.
However, Sundowns received a letter from Caf to confirm the postponement of their second group stage match cited medical restrictions in their country.
Masandawana have since issued the following statement on the matter, which reads as follows:
Mamelodi Sundowns will not be travelling to Algeria for their CAF Champions League match against CR Belouizdad after receiving communication from CAF confirming that the match which was scheduled for Tuesday (23 February 2021), has been cancelled due to further medical restrictions in Algeria.
The cancellation comes after the Algerian FA requested a postponement due to further medical restrictions in Algeria, whilst Mamelodi Sundowns were preparing for departure to Algeria.
Mamelodi Sundowns had made all the necessary arrangements and acquired visas which were made available by the Algerian Embassy last week Friday (12 February 2021).
By the time of receiving the communication from CAF earlier today, Mamelodi Sundowns was about to travel to the OR Tambo International Airport to catch a flight that would take them to Doha for a connecting flight to Algeria.
CAF’s competitions division has advised that ‘The case will be submitted to CAF Organizing Committee for Inter-Club Competitions to take the necessary decision, which will be communicated to all concerned parties in due time’.
Mamelodi Sundowns is disappointed with the timing of the communication and the way that this situation has unfolded today.
The club be discussing this matter with CAF tomorrow at 12h00 (CAT).
