Algeria Football– USM Algiers (USMA) displays certain confidence after the hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne in the case between it and RS Berkane. This file concerns the canceled semi-final of the CAF Cup, where a dispute escalated following the use of a jersey displaying the geographical map of Morocco including Western Sahara. Yesterday, representatives of the USMA, accompanied by lawyers and the general secretary of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), vigorously defended their position before the CAS jury, hoping to win their case in this sensitive case.
During the hearing, the USMA and the FAF put forward strong legal arguments against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). Algerian representatives argued that CAF’s approval of the RS Berkane jersey went against FIFA rules, which prohibit the use of political, ethnic or racial symbols in sporting competitions. USMA lawyers stressed that displaying the map including Western Sahara represented a violation of this rule, creating an undesirable political situation within the sporting competition.
This is not the first time that this issue has caused tension in African competitions, where symbols or messages perceived as controversial are sometimes put forward. In this context, the USMA hopes that the CAS will decide in favor of strict application of the regulations, in order to guarantee political neutrality in African football.
According to a source close to the matter, the Algerian camp is optimistic. USMA lawyers and the FAF secretary general have apparently presented a convincing argument, hoping for a judgment that could put an end to the use of these symbols on the jerseys of competing Moroccan teams. The CAS verdict should be communicated in the coming weeks, with a decision potentially expected by the end of December 2024, or even early 2025. If the CAS rules in favor of the USMA, this decision could cancel the financial penalty of $40,000 imposed to the USMA last October by CAF for non-compliance with regulations. This sanction, deemed unfair by the USMA, is part of the Algerian club’s motivations for continuing the legal battle.
Beyond the USMA, a favorable decision could also benefit other Algerian clubs involved in African competition. The latter risk finding themselves faced with the same problem if the controversial jersey of RS Berkane, or other Moroccan teams, is maintained. In this case, the CAS decision could set a precedent, ensuring that such symbols are excluded to avoid any geopolitical tension in stadiums.
This affair, closely followed by supporters and sporting bodies, represents an opportunity for the CAS to clarify football’s position on questions with strong political connotations. By ruling against the use of this type of symbol, the court could reaffirm the role of FIFA and CAF as bodies guaranteeing neutrality and fair play in sport.
The USMA and the FAF, confident in their defense, hope that a verdict in their favor will bring great relief not only for the club, but for all of Algerian football.
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