Rabat – The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision not to impose any sanction against Algeria for depriving the Atlas Lions of participating in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) has sparked uproar among some Moroccan football fans.
On Saturday, CAF issued a press release, stressing that its Disciplinary Committee concluded that the Royal Moroccan Federation (FRMF) was unable to travel and participate in the CHAN “due to circumstances totally beyond their control, and as such no sanction of whatsoever nature is imposed on the Royal Moroccan Federation”
The confederation emphasized that the board also dismissed the Algerian Football Federation’s claim for damages.
CAF’s Disciplinary Boards also “considered that it should not find vicarious liability on Algeria Football Federation [FAF].”
The statement continued: “The provisions of strict liability could not have been foreseen and should not apply arising out of the statement made by Mr. Zwelivelile Mandela during the opening ceremony of CHAN.”
In December 2022, Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) called on Algeria to allow the Moroccan team to fly directly from Rabat to Algeria to participate in the continental competition.
Algeria’s regime declined Morocco’s request. CAF claimed that it intervened to help Morocco’s team to participate but failed to convince Algerian authorities, who said that the decision is a “sovereign” matter.
The decision to deprive Morocco of its legitimate right to participate in the tournament was not the only act that sparked a national uproar.
During the opening ceremony of CHAN, Algeria’s regime invited Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Zwelivelile Mandela, who delivered an anti-Moroccan speech that challenged Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Despite the hostile acts, CAF responded by only sending a “formal reminder” to all National Associations inclusive of FAF, to be aware that the provisions of vicarious liability and strict liability that maybe applied in the future as a result of any political or other statements issued at a formal CAF competition or event which may be made by a third party.
Following CAF’s low-key response against Algeria, one Facebook user wrote: “For real? What a weird decision.”
While some found such a ruling “weird,” others welcomed CAF’s decision.
“CAF rejects Algeria’s request and [imposed] no sanction against Morocco! CAF sends a warning to Algeria and all other federations following the political statements made during the CHAN,” a Twitter user exclaimed.
The Twitter user also expressed support for Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) and its President Fouzi Lekjaa.
CAF’s decision also sparked outrage and uproar among Algerians, who accused CAF of being “biased” towards Morocco.
Algerian sports commentator Hafid Derradji, who frequently shares an anti-Morocco rhetoric, commented on CAF’s decision, claiming: “If CAF had the possibility of taking a decision to push Algeria to open borders and airspace and restore relations, it would have done so to satisfy Morocco,” he said.
Many other Algerians shared similar sentiments, accusing CAF of bias and corruption.
Such remarks and suggestions are no longer a surprise for Moroccans.
Moroccan journalist Redouan Erramdani expected similar responses from Algeria following CAF’s decision.
“They will of course say that Morocco colonized CAF,” he said sarcastically.
Read Also: CAF Shirks Algeria’s Responsibility to Deprive Morocco of Participation in CHAN
