Rabat – In light of Algeria’s controversial decision and hostile acts against Moroccan club RS Berkane, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the situation “will be referred to competent bodies.”
CAF issued a press release on Sunday, confirming that the CAF Confederation Cup first semi-final match between USM Alger and RS Berkane in Algiers did not take place as scheduled.
“CAF apologizes for any inconvenience caused to our sponsors, TV partners and the supporters,” the organization said on Sunday.
Algeria’s regime sparked frustration and anger among football fans across Morocco and beyond after its hostile decision to disallow the Moroccan club to wear their official jersey featuring Morocco’s full map.
The Moroccan club was stranded in an Algerian airport, denying entry to RS Berkane’s delegation due to their jerseys featuring the full map of Morocco.
The team was then trapped and their equipment was confiscated by Algerian security forces.
CAF responded to the Algerian regime’s hostile move, affirming the legitimacy of RS Berkan’s jersey. They also urged the Algerian football federation to release the Moroccan team’s belongings ahead of their upcoming game.
Algeria’s decision to prevent the Moroccan club from wearing a full map of Morocco is influenced by their support for the Polisario Front, a separatist group claiming independence in Western Sahara.
The hostile act aims to challenge Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces.
This act was not unprecedented for Algeria’s regime, as they have previously engaged in similar smear campaigns against Morocco.
The latest was last year when Algeria hosted the CHAN continental football tournament and deprived Morocco of the right to take part. The regime closed its airspace to Royal Air Maroc, the official carrier of Morocco’s national teams.
CAF, however, failed to intervene despite remarks from the organization’s president, acknowledging that Morocco’s team experienced a “blockade” at the hand of Algerian authorities.
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