USM Alger – RS Berkane Match Did Not Take Place: CAF’s Great Farce!
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- As anticipated, the match between USM Alger and RS Berkane failed to materialize as the Moroccan club decided not to play without their controversial “jerseys.” Despite efforts by Algerian authorities to ensure fair conditions for the match, RS Berkane received unexpected support from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which disregarded regulations governing international sports.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary General of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), the CAF announced that its Appeals Board, comprising Faustino Monteiro (Cape Verde), Lubamba Ngimbi Hector (DR Congo), and Asogbavi Komlan (Togo), rejected the FAF’s appeal against the decision of the CAF Interclub Commission dated April 20, 2024, regarding the use of RS Berkane’s current jerseys in the match against USM Alger. The Appeals Board affirmed “the decision of the CAF Interclub Commission of April 20, 2024,” rejecting “all other requests or demands,” as stated in the communiqué signed by the Vice President of the Commission, while its president, Yahia from Mauritania, refused to participate in what he termed a farce.
This biased decision by an institution tasked with upholding fairness and justice underscores a blatant disregard for the very laws it is mandated to enforce. Despite highlighting that “in accordance with Article 48 paragraph 3 of the CAF Statutes, this decision is subject to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with an appeal deadline of ten (10) days from the notification of the decision,” the CAF’s move marks a historic precedent in continental football, with its officials trampling the very laws they are meant to uphold. Algeria stands against this institution, perceived as being manipulated by the Makhzen regime and its agent, Fawzi Lekjaâ, who allows various abuses within the CAF.
**Legal Standpoint:**
The CAF’s decision blatantly violated FIFA’s Code of Ethics, particularly Article 10 regarding decorative elements, which stipulates that they must not “affect the abilities of referees, players, team officials, media, and spectators,” and in Article 10 paragraph 3.6, specifying that these elements must not “represent the face or identity of a person, the shape of a country or territory, or give the impression thereof.” The actions of both the Moroccan club and the CAF are unequivocally condemned under these provisions. The CAF, under the leadership of Motsepe, violated its own rules and those of FIFA and the International Olympic Committee by siding with the Moroccan club and asserting that RS Berkane’s jerseys complied with the regulations, while demanding that the FAF take immediate action to release the equipment held in customs.
**Conclusion:**
In the face of such injustice and political manipulation, Algeria remains steadfast in defending its principles. The response from the FAF is resolute, prepared to take drastic measures if necessary to enforce its decision. Morocco and its Makhzen regime appear unyielding, but another political and sporting defeat for this Western country is looming. The next chapter unfolds at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.
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.
