The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld an appeal by the Algerian Football Federation regarding a controversial map of Morocco displayed on the jerseys of Renaissance Berkane during the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, found the jerseys in violation of CAF regulations due to their depiction of Western Sahara as part of Morocco, a politically sensitive issue.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy erupted during the semi-final of the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup between Algerian club USM Alger and Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane. Both legs of the match were canceled after USM Alger and Algerian authorities objected to Berkane’s jerseys, which included a map of Morocco incorporating Western Sahara.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, remains a disputed territory. Morocco claims sovereignty over the region, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front advocates for its independence. The long-standing territorial conflict has strained diplomatic relations between Algeria and Morocco, leading Algeria to sever ties with its North African neighbor in 2021.
CAF’s Initial Decision and Appeal Process
Following the cancellation of both matches, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Berkane a 3-0 victory for each leg, effectively disqualifying USM Alger from the tournament. CAF initially ruled in favor of Berkane, stating that the club had used the same jerseys throughout the competition without prior objections.
However, the Algerian Football Federation took the case to CAS, the highest authority in sports arbitration, arguing that the jerseys violated football regulations by including a political message. The appeal sought to challenge CAF’s decision and highlight the importance of maintaining neutrality in sports.
CAS Ruling and Its Implications
CAS determined that the jerseys violated CAF regulations, stating in its ruling:
“The image of a map of Morocco including Western Sahara on the shirts of RS Berkane depicts a message, a demonstration, or propaganda of a political nature as it represents the assertion of a territorial dispute that is contested and still unresolved as of today.”
The court cited the laws set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which prohibit political messages on football equipment, including jerseys. As a result, CAS annulled CAF’s initial decision to approve the shirts. However, the ruling did not affect the tournament results, meaning Berkane retained its victories.
Reactions and Diplomatic Ramifications
The ruling has been welcomed by the Algerian Football Federation, which argued that sports should remain free of political disputes. An Algerian FA spokesperson stated:
“This decision upholds the principles of neutrality in football and reinforces that political symbols have no place on the field.”
On the other hand, Renaissance Berkane has not yet issued an official response. The decision may set a precedent for similar cases in the future, as sporting bodies continue to navigate the intersection of politics and international competitions.
The Bigger Picture: Sports and Political Tensions
This case highlights the growing challenges sports organizations face in managing political disputes within international tournaments. The Western Sahara issue has been a longstanding point of contention in North African politics, and its influence on football demonstrates how geopolitical tensions can spill into the sporting arena.
The CAS decision underscores the importance of upholding regulatory standards to prevent political influence in sports. Moving forward, CAF and other governing bodies may need to strengthen their review processes to avoid similar controversies.
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