The Confederation of African Football recently made a decision that resonates as a warning in the Maghreb football landscape. The Sports Association of the Royal Armed Forces (AS FAR)one of the most emblematic clubs in Morocco, was sanctioned following behavior deemed deviant during its match Champions League against the South Africans Mamelodi Sundowns.
According to the CAF report, AS FAR will have to pay two separate fines. 5 000 dollars for the use of smoke bombs in the stands and 10 000 dollars for lasers aimed at opposing players. These practices, considered harmful and contrary to fair play, disrupt the progress of matches and harm the integrity of the game.
By imposing these sanctions, CAF is sending a clear message: unsporting acts have no place in African competitions. This decision is also a warning to other clubs on the continent, encouraging them to monitor the behavior of their supporters and to adopt respectful practices safely and off the field.
AS FAR, as a renowned club in Morocco and on the African scene, is called upon to redouble its efforts to educate its supporters on the importance of respecting the opponent. While these isolated incidents are deplorable, they risk tarnishing the image of a club whose history is synonymous with excellence and prestige.
Fair play, the cornerstone of sport, is not limited to the players on the field. It also extends to supporters, whose role is essential in supporting their teams while respecting sporting ethics. These unsporting acts are unfortunately not uncommon in African competitions. The use of smoke bombs and lasers, often denounced, remains a persistent problem.
CAF, by firmly condemning these practices, seeks to establish a sporting culture where respect and ethics take precedence. Although the fines imposed on AS FAR may seem symbolic for a club of this stature, they nevertheless serve as a reminder that such incidents can have serious repercussions on the reputation of a team and compromise its future in international competitions.
The real question remains whether AS FAR will be able to learn from this sanction. To preserve its heritage and its role as a model in Maghreb football, the club will have to set an example by adopting concrete measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. Beyond AS FAR, this episode highlights a broader challenge for African football: cultivating a spirit of fair play and excellence that reflects universal sporting values. It’s a reminder that respect for one’s opponent is, ultimately, as important as the quest for victory.
