فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a new development of the issue that stirred wide controversy last season, Veron Mosengo-Omba, Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has once again confirmed the legitimacy of the jersey of Moroccan club RS Berkane, which bears the complete map of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Mosengo-Omba told BBC Africa: “According to CAF regulations, the inter-club competitions committee decided there was no problem with this map. The decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport will guide us on how to improve our regulations.”
This statement comes as a new blow to Algeria, which had strongly objected to the jersey during the African Confederation Cup semi-final match between RS Berkane and USM Alger. The Algerian club’s refusal to play against a team wearing this jersey led to the cancellation of both leg matches, allowing the Moroccan club to advance to the final against Egyptian Zamalek.
Algerian authorities had confiscated the Moroccan club’s jerseys at the airport during the match that was supposed to be held in Algeria, forcing RS Berkane to forfeit the first leg.
As a result of this stance, CAF declared RS Berkane the winner with a 3-0 score in both legs due to forfeit. The Algerian Football Federation and USM Alger had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to freeze the competition, but their request was rejected.
This development demonstrates the continuing diplomatic and sporting tension between Morocco and Algeria, and highlights the challenges facing African sports amid regional political conflicts.
The ongoing controversy surrounding the jersey reflects the complex interplay between sports and politics in the region, and underscores the need for clear regulations in international competitions to address such sensitive issues. It also raises questions about the role of sports organizations in navigating political disputes between member nations.
