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Rabat – Five months after the heated controversy unfolded in April, the disciplinary committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reached a verdict in the case involving RS Berkane and USM Alger, imposing a $40,000 fine on the Algerian club.
The CAF disciplinary committee levied a financial penalty on USM Alger for declining to participate in the home and away matches of the CAF Cup semi-final against Morocco’s RS Berkane.
This case captured global attention in April when USM Alger refused to play in the scheduled CAF Cup semi-final matches against RS Berkane.
The refusal stemmed from USM Alger’s objections to the RS Berkane jersey, which featured a complete map of Morocco, including its southern provinces.
This act, which was perceived as a direct challenge to Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, is not an isolated incident, as Algeria’s regime has a history of engaging in similar smear campaigns against Morocco.
Compounding the issue, during the away match that was supposed to take place in Algeria, the Algerian authorities confiscated the delegation’s luggage, stranding them in an Algerian airport and depriving them of their jerseys.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) replaced these with counterfeit shirts that did not feature the complete Moroccan map. In protest, the USM Alger players remained in the locker room during the return match, choosing to forgo the game altogether.
The CAF’s decision comes as a resolution to a situation that has not only affected the teams involved but has also stirred much debate over sportsmanship and political tension within the region.
