Algerian Media Accuses Infantino Of Provocation, Pro-Morocco Bias

A social media post by FIFA President Gianni Infantino showing him in Morocco’s jersey has seemingly struck a nerve with Algerian media, with some outlets accusing the official of being “biased towards Morocco to the detriment of Algeria.”

Infanino recently appeared in a photo wearing the jersey of the Moroccan football team, which he shared on his Instagram account.

The image has elicited positive reactions from many fans of the Moroccan national football team, particularly due to the Atlas Lions’ historic performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco became the first Arab and African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Some outlets in Algeria evoked a “rivalry” between the two countries, alleging that the post reignites said rivalry, especially as the two countries compete to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Fennec Football, a football-focused Algerian website, suggested that the post was the confirmation of the “proximity” between Infantino and Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF).

Morocco continues to confidently position itself to win the hosting rights of the continental tournament in 2025,, with Algeria being another candidate to host the cup.

Algerian media have recently evoked the tensions between the two countries when it comes to the hosting rights of the tournament, specifically in response to statements made by Lekjaa last week.

Speaking at the House of Representatives, the FRMF President declared that the Fez stadium would be ready to host AFCON 2025 matches “when our country is designated as the host.”

The statement caused backlash from Algerian media figures who alleged that Lekjaa indicated the country was going to host the tournament before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made its decision.

Tensions between the North African neighbors have been heightened since 2021, when Algeria unilaterally cut ties with Morocco, accusing the country of playing a part in the wildfires that devastated Algeria that summer.

Despite repeated offers for peace and dialogue from Morocco, Algeria has continued to escalate the tensions throughout the past two years.