Written by: Mohamed Ragab
An official source within the federation announced African The football federation confirmed that the dates for the African Confederation Cup final between Algeria's USM Alger and Egypt's Zamalek have not been changed, stressing that the tournament is proceeding according to the previously approved schedule despite the controversy that arose regarding the possibility of amending the dates of some other continental tournaments.
The source explained in statements A journalist reported that the African Union has definitively decided to hold the first leg match in Algeria, at the July 5 Stadium in the Algerian capital on May 9, 2026, while the second leg match will be held at the Cairo International Stadium on May 16, 2026, in an anticipated match that brings together one of the most prominent clubs in North Africa in football.
Excluding the impact of Champions League amendments on the Confederation Cup
The source confirmed that what is being circulated regarding the possibility of changing the date of the first leg of the African Champions League final will not affect the schedule of the Confederation Cup final, stressing that the African Union is committed to organizational stability in its continental championships.
This comes amid talk of possible revisions to the dates of some other matches, but the Confederation Cup final remains unchanged.
Regarding fan attendance, the source explained that both final matches will be played in front of a full house, including the first leg in Algeria, despite ongoing disciplinary investigations related to previous incidents involving USM Alger in the tournament.
He stressed that CAF considers the fans a key element in the success of the tournament from a sporting and marketing perspective, and that holding the final without fans is not on the table at the moment.
He pointed out that the African Union attaches great importance to the safety of the organization, but at the same time is keen not to disrupt the public scene that gives continental championships a special momentum and enhances their economic and media value, especially in the major finals.
Disciplinary investigations following controversial events
In a separate development, the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Disciplinary Committee has launched a formal investigation into the events of the match between USM Alger and Olympique Safi of Morocco, following a review of reports from referees, match observers, and security coordinators. Initial findings indicate organizational and security breaches that led to disturbances inside the stadium, prompting CAF to open a comprehensive case file on the incident.
According to sources, the disciplinary committee is considering imposing financial and disciplinary sanctions on USM Alger, which could include suspending some penalties for up to a year, along with additional fines. The investigation also encompasses other parties involved in the match, as part of a comprehensive assessment of the events that transpired.
Sanctions expected within a few days
It is expected that the CAF Disciplinary Committee will issue its final decisions within a few days, either today, Thursday, or at the latest early next week, after completing the review of all official reports related to the match.
These decisions are being widely anticipated within sports circles, given that the results of the investigation may affect the organizational landscape of the tournament, but at the same time they will not affect the schedule of the final matches that has been officially confirmed between Zamalek and USM Alger.
