It’s been 30 years since Morocco and Algeria they closed their borders and three years since the latter decided to sever diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The cause of their dispute is its former Spanish colony Western Saharawhere the separatist movement “Polisario Front” claims the independence of the region with the support of Algeria with Morocco only discussing some form of autonomy without questioning its national sovereignty.
Although international federations have banned any attempt to politicize sports, such issues always come to the fore when warring countries clash and that is exactly what happened with the postponement of the first semi-final of the African Confederation Cup. It is the equivalent of UEFA’s Europa League, the second-ranked football competition in Africa, where USM Alger from Alegria and Renaissance Berkane from Morocco faced each other in the semi-finals.
The latter’s delegation, when it arrived in Algiers on Friday night, had to stay for many hours at the airport and left for its hotel without its official appearances!
The reason; The map that was on the front of the shirt that featured… Greater Morocco with the territories of Western Sahara! Algerian customs authorities confiscated the kit as having illegal content, but the management of the Moroccan team appealed to the African confederation, which granted their request to wear the shirt they have been using since the start of the year.
The Algerians however did not return the uniforms and although both teams were on the field Berkane never came out of the dressing room protesting that she could not use her uniform.
The fate of the match will be decided by the African confederation, but now the interest turns to the second match which is scheduled for Sunday 28/4.
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Dimitris Tychalas
22.04.2024, 16:54
Tags: African Confederation Cup semifinal postponed for .. Western Sahara
