Ibrahim Benzaza, former USM Alger midfielder, without a club, is challenging before CAF the two-year suspension imposed on him after a positive doping test. The sanction caused his transfer to CR Belouizdad to collapse.
Suspended for two years by CAF’s disciplinary commission, the Algerian midfielder is preparing an official appeal to contest the decision, according to Foot Afrique. Aged 31, he hopes for a review of the sanction so he can revive the final stage of his professional career. His legal counsel intends to lodge an appeal with the continental body’s appeal commission in the coming days.
The case dates back to the Confederation Cup final on 16 May, played against Zamalek. After that match, the player returned a positive test, the outlet reports. The test opened the disciplinary proceedings that led to the two-year suspension handed down by CAF.
The vitamins argument
To contest the sanction, the player’s entourage puts forward an explanation: he is said to have taken vitamins containing a prohibited substance without his knowledge, according to Foot Afrique. That account remains to be proven before the authorities. At this stage, it is not established.
The defence also points to a case that was allegedly not heard within the required deadlines after CAF’s notification, according to the same source. It is on this twofold argument that the player bases his hope of securing a reduction in his sanction. To plead his case, he has enlisted the services of a Tunisian lawyer.
A collapsed transfer and a trophy haul at USM Alger
The consequences of the doping proceedings were immediate. They directly scuppered his move to CR Belouizdad in the close season, Foot Afrique indicates. Ibrahim Benzaza has also terminated his contract with USM Alger, the club where he spent several key seasons.
With the Algiers Rouge et Noir, the midfielder notably won two CAF Confederation Cups and two Algerian Cups. Now without a club, he awaits the outcome of proceedings that could determine the rest of his career.
The appeal commission in his sights
The player’s legal counsel intends to lodge an appeal with CAF’s appeal commission in the coming days. The official filing of the appeal is nevertheless announced for the end of October 2026, according to the outlet.
The player hopes for a review of the sanction so he can revive the final stage of his professional career, Foot Afrique specifies.