Moroccan Football Club Berkane Sports Renaissance Sparks Controversy with Political Emblem at Algerian Airport
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Moroccan football club, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane “Berkane Sports Renaissance,” has stirred up controversy upon its arrival at an Algerian airport ahead of the semi-final match against Sports Union of the Medina of Algiers in the CAF Confederation Cup. The team’s delegation, clad in jerseys bearing a political emblem; map of Morocco, including Western Sahara, provoked Algerian authorities and airport officials by refusing to remove or replace the emblem, which is prohibited by CAF regulations.
According to reports, the airport authorities offered the Moroccan delegation new jerseys devoid of any political symbols, in compliance with CAF and FIFA regulations, in exchange for permission to leave the airport for their hotel. However, the delegation persisted in wearing the contentious jerseys, citing their refusal to compromise on their principles.
The incident highlights the sixth article of the CAF Competition Regulations, which stipulates that only advertisements permitted by the host country are allowed on jerseys during matches. These advertisements must adhere to CAF’s regulations regarding jersey branding.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, airport and Algerian airline officials offered the Moroccan delegation accommodation at a nearby hotel to rest and await a resolution from the Confederation of African Football. Despite these efforts, the Moroccan delegation remained steadfast in their refusal to comply with the regulations, opting instead to provoke and threaten to return to Morocco without participating in the scheduled match.
The Moroccan delegation, which arrived in Algeria on a private flight operated by Spanish Airlines from Oujda, Morocco, initially received a warm welcome with flowers and embraces. However, tensions escalated as the delegation persisted in their defiance.
Ultimately, the Moroccan delegation relented and departed the airport for the hotel, signaling a temporary resolution to the standoff.
About Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
