TAS Puts Enormous Pressure on Morocco in USMA-RS Berkane Dispute

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- In the ongoing saga of the CAF Confederation Cup, new developments have emerged with a crucial decision made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). TAS has given CAF three days to provide detailed explanations regarding the validation process of Berkane team’s jersey (Morocco) in their case against USMA (Algeria).

This decision comes after CAF recently labeled the match between the Moroccan club, RS Berkane, and USMA as “postponed” on its official website. This action raises questions about the validity of the process by which CAF made its decision.

Neither RB Berkane nor USMA are currently qualified for the final of the competition. The fate of this decisive encounter will ultimately be decided by TAS, adding a new chapter of uncertainty and suspense to this ongoing sports saga.

This case highlights significant stakes for the integrity and transparency of regulatory processes in African football. The coming days will be crucial in determining the final outcome of this match and clarifying the implications for the teams involved.

In an unprecedented move, Walid Sadi, the President of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), has engaged more than five lawyers to file a complaint against the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Sadi, known for his dedication to Algerian football, is exerting tremendous efforts within the federation to address the matter effectively.

The complaint, according to reliable sources, concerns the contentious jerseys of the Moroccan club Renaissance Sportive de Berkane. These jerseys, featuring an image encompassing both Moroccan territory and that of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), have raised serious concerns.

The FAF, under Sadi’s leadership, has been proactive in addressing the issue, attempting to resolve it amicably through correspondence with CAF. However, their efforts have been met with resistance, leading to the decision to pursue legal action.

Despite the binding nature of CAF’s regulations prohibiting political slogans or images on equipment, CAF has ignored these violations. Correspondences between FAF, USM Alger, and CAF to resolve the matter amicably have proven unsuccessful.

This legal action aims to ensure fair play and adherence to established regulations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of football competitions. Sadi’s dedication reflects the broader commitment of the FAF to uphold the values of fairness, transparency, and respect within Algerian football and the wider African football community.

It is worth recalling that Walid Sadi has been instrumental in revitalizing and reforming Algerian football during his tenure. His efforts have been characterized by a strong commitment to the development of the sport at all levels. Sadi has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at modernizing the infrastructure of Algerian football, improving the quality of training and coaching, and fostering talent development from grassroots to professional levels. Sadi has also been proactive in addressing governance issues within the federation, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance practices. He has worked tirelessly to strengthen the ties between the FAF and other football governing bodies, both regionally and internationally, fostering cooperation and collaboration for the betterment of Algerian football.

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