Diplomatic tensions between the Morocco and Algeriaalready well anchored on the political scene, now seem to be entering the sporting field. While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the ceremony CAF Awards 2024dedicated to the best talents in African football, will be held in Morocco on December 16, uncertainty hovers over Algeria’s participation in this event.
For several years, relations between the two Maghrebi neighbors have been marked by heightened tensions, particularly around geopolitical and diplomatic issues. These disputes, which have their roots in territorial disputes and ideological differences, now seem to influence sporting relations, particularly in football. The possibility of an Algerian boycott during the CAF Awards is a striking example.
According to sources close to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), discussions are reportedly underway to decide whether or not an Algerian delegation will be present during this prestigious ceremony. The tense relations between the two countries are mentioned as the main reason for this possible absence. If the decision to boycott is confirmed, this could have repercussions on the international recognition of Algerian players expected to receive distinctions, such as Riyad Mahrez or Ramy Bensebaïni.
Football, the king sport in the Maghreb, could become a new field of expression for the Moroccan-Algerian rivalry. While the two nations often compete for regional supremacy on different levels, the possibility of an Algerian boycott of the CAF Awards ceremony raises the question of whether the political rivalry will spill over into the sporting domain, transforming the competitions into indirect confrontations. between the two states.
For Morocco, hosting this CAF ceremony is an opportunity to strengthen its position as a major player in African football. In recent years, the kingdom has invested massively in the development of its sports infrastructure and the organization of international events. Morocco, candidate for the organization of the 2030 World Cup in collaboration with Spain and Portugalseeks to consolidate its image as a sporting engine on the continent.
For its part, Algeria, which is also banking on its football successes to assert its regional stature, could see this boycott as a way of expressing its political discontent with its neighbor. However, such a decision would risk penalizing its own football stars, who could miss out on expected international recognition.
The boycott, if confirmed, would pose a major dilemma for the Algerian players nominated for the CAF Awards. Indeed, the performances of Riyad Mahrez and even Ramy Bensebaïni, a talented defender, marked the football year, and the latter are among the favorites for several distinctions. An absence of Algeria at this ceremony would thus deprive its talents of visibility and recognition which go beyond African borders.
The Confederation of African Football, organizer of the event, has not yet officially reacted to these rumors of a boycott. However, the continental body hopes that all African nations will be represented at this major event, which aims to celebrate football excellence on the continent. An absence of Algeria, a key country in African football, would be a hard blow for the unity of the king of sport on the continent.
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