BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Despite facing recent setbacks, such as the withdrawal of the Handball African Cup of Nations (CAN) by the FAHB from Laayoune, and previous controversies during events like the CHAN, Mediterranean Games, and U17 CAN in Algeria, the Moroccan Makhzen has persisted in its efforts to score political victories, even in the realm of sports.
The incident at the Algiers airport on Friday underscored the Machiavellian tactics employed by the Makhzen, tarnishing not only sports but also culture, art, and solidarity actions to fulfill its expansionist aspirations. All eyes were on the technical meeting ahead of the USMA-RS Berkane match, which, under normal circumstances, would have been a formality, to see what decision the Confederation of African Football (CAF) would make regarding the CAF Confederation Cup first leg match. However, after more than an hour of discussions, no firm decision was reached by the continental football governing body. As the situation remains uncertain, both parties maintain their convictions, awaiting directives from Cairo (CAF headquarters), with everyone curious about the match’s outcome. Algeria’s position remains steadfast, adhering to FIFA, CAF, and International Olympic Committee regulations, which prohibit political, religious, or ethnic connotations in sports.
Algeria refuses to release the Moroccan team’s equipment, seeing it as a matter of national sovereignty. Despite attempts by Moroccans to exert pressure, Algerian authorities won’t be swayed by representatives of the Makhzen. As a gesture of goodwill, Algeria proposed to RS Berkane officials that the match proceed under favorable conditions, offering kits with the same characteristics but without the political geographical map. However, Berkane officials rejected the proposal, likely under pressure from the west. Algerian customs services have the sovereign authority to decide what enters the territory, and Berkane team jerseys are considered “prohibited” material. The objection of Algerian authorities is firm, and Moroccans will not be allowed to play with a geographical map not recognized by the African Union, the UN, etc. Algeria’s position is unwavering, and its decision is sovereign and non-negotiable.
The question now is, what will CAF do? Will it uphold its own charter and that of FIFA, or will it succumb to outside influences? Will it save face, as the FAHB did when it withdrew the organization of the CAN from Morocco after Algerian protests and threats of boycott by Algeria and two other African countries if it took place in occupied Laayoune? Regardless of the consequences, Algerian clubs have expressed their support for USM Alger in an intense campaign before its match against RS Berkane. Everyone is rallying behind “sovereignty above all,” with clubs like JSK, ESBA, CRB, ESS, MCO, CSC, MCA, and JSS defending national interests through their support for the Red and Blacks.
Translated from:
https://lalgerieaujourdhui.dz/affaire-usma-rs-berkane-une-autre-tentative-desesperee-du-makhzen/
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