Walid Sadi Targeted: Morocco’s Media Frenzy Exposes Fears of Algeria’s Football Ascendancy

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

The Relentless Attacks on the Algerian Football Chief Reveal Morocco’s Insecurity Ahead of CAN 2025

 

Algiers, Algeria | March 5th, 2025 — The president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Walid Sadi, has become the target of an unprecedented and virulent media campaign orchestrated by Morocco’s sports press. This aggressive onslaught, marked by distortion and hostility, underscores the mounting tensions between the two nations in the football arena, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) set to be hosted by Morocco.

 

The Moroccan media’s fixation on Walid Sadi has reached fever pitch, with an obsessive scrutiny of his statements and actions—an approach never before witnessed towards an Algerian football official. This coordinated assault appears to be a direct response to the growing prominence of Algerian football and the resolute stance of Sadi in defending national interests on the continental stage.

 

A defining moment in this escalating feud came with the legal battle at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the controversial jersey of the Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane. The tribunal’s ruling in favor of the Algerian Football Federation dealt a significant blow to Moroccan football authorities, igniting a wave of outrage in the Moroccan press. Rather than accepting the decision with sportsmanship, Morocco’s media outlets launched a smear campaign, attempting to discredit Sadi and the FAF in a desperate bid to save face.

 

The upcoming CAN 2025 in Morocco adds another layer of unease. Walid Sadi’s declaration that Algeria’s national team is fully capable of “triumphing in Morocco” has sent shockwaves through the Moroccan sports establishment. Instead of responding with confidence in their own squad, Moroccan media pundits have resorted to a barrage of attacks, revealing a deep-seated fear of Algeria’s potential to dominate the tournament on Moroccan soil. This reaction betrays Morocco’s nervousness over Algeria’s resurgence as a football powerhouse and its ability to challenge the host nation’s ambitions.

 

 

Sadi’s Growing Influence in the CAF: A Nightmare for Morocco

 

Beyond his leadership in Algerian football, Walid Sadi’s expanding influence within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clearly unnerved Moroccan football authorities. His firm diplomatic maneuvers, strategic alliances, and ability to advocate for Algeria’s rightful position in African football governance have made him a formidable figure—one that Morocco sees as a threat to its long-standing attempts to manipulate continental football affairs. The relentless media attacks against Sadi reflect Morocco’s frustration over its waning control in CAF corridors.

 

 

The Moroccan press’s relentless targeting of Sadi is symptomatic of a broader, more desperate attempt to undermine Algeria’s football aspirations. Instead of focusing on their own preparations for CAN 2025, Moroccan media have resorted to peddling narratives of animosity, revealing their anxieties over Algeria’s growing clout. Such tactics expose Morocco’s inability to engage in fair competition, both on and off the pitch, without resorting to smear campaigns and psychological warfare.

 

 

Despite the barrage of hostility, Walid Sadi and the Algerian Football Federation remain undeterred. Algeria’s football leadership continues to prioritize the development of the national team and the protection of its interests in continental competitions. The relentless Moroccan attacks only serve to strengthen Algeria’s resolve, further fueling the ambition to assert its dominance in African football.

 

 

 

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