Algeria Triumphs in USMA–RS Berkane Case: CAS Ruling Delivers Crushing Blow to Morocco and CAF

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upholds Algeria’s stance, dismantling Fouzi Lekjaa’s political maneuvering in African football.

Algiers, Algeria | February 26th, 2025 — In a decisive and long-anticipated ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne has formally sided with USM Alger ‘Algiers’ and the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) in the contentious legal battle against the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This verdict, which unequivocally condemns the blatant politicization of football by Morocco, is not only a legal victory for Algeria but also a damning indictment of Fouzi Lekjaa’s manipulative tactics within CAF.

 

The ruling, issued after months of deliberation following the November 13, 2023, hearing, directly annuls the CAF disciplinary sanctions imposed on USMA, including an unjust $40,000 fine, and firmly establishes that no Moroccan team can wear a jersey displaying the illegal and provocative map incorporating occupied Western Sahara in any CAF competition. This verdict delivers a humiliating blow to Lekjaa and his lobby within CAF, exposing their flagrant violations of FIFA regulations and the governing body’s supposed neutrality in sporting matters.

 

Morocco’s Political Agenda in Football Rejected

The CAS ruling explicitly denounces the FRMF and RS Berkane for their use of politically charged symbols on their jerseys, branding it a clear violation of international sports law. The verdict confirms:

 

“The image of the Moroccan territorial map, integrating Western Sahara, on the contested jerseys constitutes a political message, expression, or propaganda. Given that this map represents a claim of territorial sovereignty that remains unresolved at the international level, its display in official CAF competitions is strictly prohibited.”

 

Furthermore, the ruling upholds Article 1.03 of CAF’s Equipment Regulations, affirming that all football gear, including jerseys, must remain free from any political messaging, in alignment with Law 4 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The decision also underscores CAF’s obligation to maintain political neutrality, a principle the organization has repeatedly failed to uphold under Lekjaa’s influence.

On Wednesday evening, the management of USM Algiers, on its part, issued an official statement announcing this decisive ruling.

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delivered its final verdict in the case concerning the match between USM Algiers and RS Berkane, ruling in our favor. This decision reaffirms the legitimacy of our legal position and underscores our unwavering commitment to defending the club’s rights in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Furthermore, CAS has annulled the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to approve RS Berkane’s jersey, which featured a political symbol in clear violation of CAF regulations that mandate a strict separation between sports and politics. This ruling is a triumph for the principles of fair play and legal integrity, reinforcing the necessity for all clubs to adhere to the governing rules of continental competitions.

This verdict is a testament to the strength and professionalism of USM Algiers’ management in safeguarding the club’s rights. It highlights our steadfast dedication to upholding the law and protecting the team’s interests across all competitions.

USM Algiers remains firmly committed to integrity, neutrality, and respect for regulations, and will continue to work with determination to maintain its distinguished stature in African football.”

The management of USM Algiers also extended its sincere gratitude to the Algerian government, particularly President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for his unwavering support in defending this case. Appreciation was also conveyed to Algerian Football Federation President Walid Sadi and the Sarbor Group for their invaluable backing.

CAF’s Complicity: A Blatant FIFA Statute Violation

This ruling exposes not just Morocco’s continued attempts to weaponize football for its geopolitical agenda, but also CAF’s blatant complicity in enabling such misconduct. By allowing RS Berkane to wear jerseys featuring the illegitimate territorial map, CAF brazenly disregarded FIFA statutes, which strictly forbid the use of equipment bearing political, ethnic, or racial symbols.

 

Despite FIFA’s clear stance, CAF, under the influence of Lekjaa and his Moroccan lobby, endorsed the controversial kit, thereby compromising its integrity as a governing body. The CAS ruling now rectifies this grave breach, sending an unequivocal message that Morocco’s attempts to manipulate African football for its territorial ambitions will not be tolerated on the international stage.

 

A Defining Victory for Algerian Football and African Sporting Integrity

This landmark ruling cements Algeria’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of fair play, legal integrity, and political neutrality in African football. USM Alger and FAF’s relentless legal battle against this injustice has set a crucial precedent that prevents Morocco from exploiting CAF as a tool for its expansionist agenda.

 

By securing this decisive victory, Algeria has not only safeguarded the sanctity of football in Africa but also dealt a severe blow to Lekjaa’s credibility and the Moroccan football establishment’s deceptive influence over CAF. The ruling marks a watershed moment, ensuring that CAF can no longer serve as a vehicle for Morocco’s illicit political schemes.

 

The Aftermath: Morocco’s Isolation and the Future of CAF

With this crushing legal defeat, Fouzi Lekjaa’s unchecked influence within CAF is now under serious scrutiny. His orchestrated attempt to politicize African football has been publicly dismantled, leaving Morocco increasingly isolated on the continental stage. The verdict also calls into question CAF’s governance under Patrice Motsepe, as it has repeatedly failed to enforce its own regulations impartially, instead succumbing to Moroccan pressure and favoritism.

 

Moving forward, this case serves as a stark warning to CAF and its leadership: Football must remain free of political interference, and any further transgressions will be met with legal consequences. Algeria’s resounding victory at CAS reinforces its status as a defender of sporting ethics and a guardian against corruption and political exploitation in African football.

 

This ruling is not just a victory for Algeria—it is a resounding rejection of Morocco’s attempts to hijack African football for its geopolitical objectives. The message is now clear: football is for sport, not for territorial propaganda. Lekjaa’s political maneuvers have backfired spectacularly, and the legitimacy of CAF’s governance is now in serious question. African football will no longer be a playground for Morocco’s underhanded schemes.

 

 

 

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