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A major controversy erupted this week after Morocco’s national sports channel aired a promotional video showing a divided map of the country during the opening of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday in Rabat.
The advertisement was for Russian betting company “1XBET,” whose operations Moroccan authorities deem illegal.
The commercial featured a map of Morocco that excludes its southern provinces, triggering swift backlash and demands for accountability.
The incident was broadcast by Arryadia, a channel under the National Broadcasting and Television Company (SNRT), which is subject to strict broadcasting and advertising codes.
These rules require all national broadcasters to screen content thoroughly, particularly when it involves unauthorized companies or potentially sensitive materials.
Observers condemned the broadcast as a serious breach of national standards. Many considered the offense twofold: not only did the ad promote a company whose activities are outside Morocco’s legal framework, it also undermined the country’s territorial integrity by depicting a cut-out map.
CAF apologizes
In a statement issued in response to public criticism, Arryadia clarified its position regarding the controversial advertisement aired during the opening of the 2024 WAFCON.
The channel stated that the promotional video was not produced or selected by its team but was part of the official international feed provided by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“The segment in question is part of the official international signal broadcast by the Confederation of African Football as part of the live coverage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations matches,” the channel explained.
“Arryadia does not intervene in the content of this live signal, as it merely relays the broadcast as provided by the organizing body to all stations airing the event.”
The channel also noted that CAF acknowledged the error and addressed the matter directly with Morocco’s National Broadcasting and Television Company. “The Confederation of African Football presented an official apology to the National Broadcasting and Television Company, accepting full responsibility for this unfortunate incident,” the statement read.
CAF has reportedly pledged to correct the advertisement and prevent similar incidents in the future. “It has committed to correcting the promotional clip in question and ensuring such mistakes do not happen again,” Arryadia added.
