The Algerian football association (FAF) has confirmed that Mohamed Youcef Belaïli by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), after he tested positive at a 7 August African Champions League game between MC El Eulma and USM Alger (USMA). An FAF statement said that Belaïli had ‘waived the right to have his B sample analysed’ and as such, ‘CAF correspondence was notified to him and to his club, which provides for a two-year suspension from all national and international competition’.

USM Alger won the 7 August game 1-0. A media statement from USMA expressed ‘stupefying’ shock at news of the suspension, and said that it would ‘defend its interests and those of the player until light is shed on this affair’. In a statement posted on Twitter, the 23 year-old apologised for his ‘youth error’, adding ‘I apologise to all those I have hurt, including my family, my team mates, the entire club staff and the club’s supporters’.