the Algerian Bouzok would refuse to wear the jersey with the Morocco map!

It is a controversy resembling déjà vu which has erupted in Morocco in recent hours. Yousri Bouzok, Algerian striker from Raja Casablanca, would refuse to participate in the first group match of the African Champions League over a jersey matter…

While Raja begins the African LoC groups this Tuesday with a 100% Moroccan match against AS FAR Rabatthis refusal takes place in a particular context, given the tense diplomatic relations between Morocco and Algeria on the question of the membership of Western Sahara.

On the new jersey unveiled by his team for the group stage, there is a map of Morocco including this territory, a former Spanish colony which is 80% controlled by Morocco, but also by the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi independence group, supported by Algeria. This choice provoked a wide debate, particularly within the Algerian and Moroccan communities.

According to people close to the player, Bouzok expressed a categorical refusal, affirming that he would not reverse his decision “whatever it costs“, indicates the journalist specializing in African Football Micky Junior. This gesture is seen by some as an act of principle aligned with the official position of theAlgeriawhich supports the Polisario Front in the territorial dispute with Morocco. The winger of Raja would not want to have any problems with the authorities of his country.

Encore repeat of the Berkane episode

Last April, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled in the matter of the semi-final between the RS Berkane et l’USM Alger in the Confederation Cup. The Oranges went to Algeria with the map of Morocco including the territory of the Sahara.

The USMA had once decided to play the match on condition of providing “high quality” jerseys without a card. Moroccopromised Wafi Saidi, the president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), before sending unofficial ones. For Berkane, there is no question of playing without his real jerseys. While the Rouge et Noir ended up deciding not to play the match, CAF decided to sanction the Algerian club with a 0-3 forfeit on the first leg, and the same on the return leg, confirming the qualification of Berkane in the final.

Hicham Bennis