Once again, a dispute over football jerseys has resulted in the cancellation of a significant football match in North Africa, underscoring the enduring tensions between Morocco and Algeria.
The controversy arose when Algerian customs officials seized the jerseys of RS Berkane, a Moroccan football club, citing the presence of a map featuring the disputed Western Sahara region. This action led to the cancellation of the first leg of their match against USM Alger in the African Confederation Cup.
Despite the contentious circumstances, acts of camaraderie and goodwill were exchanged upon the arrival of the Algerian delegation, including USM Alger, in Morocco for the scheduled match. Moroccan officials warmly welcomed their counterparts, emphasizing the bonds of friendship between the two nations and their sporting communities.
Abdeslam Belkchour, president of the Moroccan Professional Football League, remarked, “Today, we received the Algerian delegation of USM Algiers, who came to play the return leg for the semi-finals of the CAF confederation cup. We welcomed them with a bouquet of roses as a token of the love and friendship that unites the two brotherly peoples and the sports components. We officially announced to them that we place at their disposal all logistical capabilities, equipment and sports infrastructure.”
In response, Kamel Hassina, president of the USMA, expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stating, “The reception was good. We thank them for the reception. Thank you very much, brothers. This is a fraternal reception,” highlighting a sense of solidarity despite underlying tensions.
As a result of the match cancellation, RS Berkane was awarded a 3-0 victory, securing their spot in the final of the prestigious tournament.
The inclusion of the map featuring Morocco, particularly concerning the Western Sahara, reignited longstanding tensions between the two nations. The Western Sahara, once a Spanish colony, is predominantly under Moroccan control, but Algeria supports the Polisario Front’s pursuit of independence in the region, leading to decades of conflict and diplomatic strain.
However, moments before the match was scheduled to begin, USM Alger abruptly departed the stadium, leaving RS Berkane and the awaiting spectators bewildered. The cancellation of the match dashed the hopes of football enthusiasts and left both teams and their supporters disappointed.
The recurrence of disputes over football jerseys exacerbating political tensions underscores the delicate nature of relations between Morocco and Algeria. Despite efforts to promote goodwill and sportsmanship, underlying political sensitivities continue to cast a shadow over sporting events in the region.
