The dispute over a map of Morocco on a football shirt escalated as USM Alger declined to play the second leg of the Caf Confederation Cup semi-final against RS Berkane in Morocco due to political tensions.
USM Alger’s decision stemmed from Berkane’s kit displaying a map that included Western Sahara, a territory disputed between Morocco and Algeria.
The latter views this portrayal as a political provocation, especially amid severed diplomatic ties between the two nations since 2021.
The first leg was marred by Berkane’s kit being confiscated in Algeria, resulting in a 3-0 defeat punishment by Caf.
Despite an appeal dismissal, USM Alger persisted, citing Fifa’s regulations against political imagery on kits.
The ongoing feud, beyond football, has impacted sporting events and relationships between Algeria and Morocco, with borders closed and accusations of “hostile acts” exchanged.
President of USM Alger says:
“We are very optimistic about winning the case before CAS against CAF and RS Berkane because we have submitted our complaints and the right is with us.
We have established all the laws and they are in our favor, and our hopes are high to regain our rights in this Confederation Cup. We will play in the final as we know.”
While the match outcome remains uncertain pending legal proceedings, the controversy underscores broader geopolitical tensions influencing sports and continental competitions.
