Executive Office of North African Football Union Meets in Algiers Amid Controversy

The Executive Office of the North African Football Union (UNAF) convened a meeting in Algiers, Algeria this week against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute between Algeria and Morocco over the Western Sahara territory. The meeting comes on the heels of a controversial incident involving Moroccan club RS Berkane and Algerian side USM Alger in the semifinals of the 2023-24 CAF Confederation Cup.

RS Berkane arrived in Algeria wearing jerseys featuring an outline of Morocco that included the contested Western Sahara region. Algerian authorities seized the jerseys upon the team's arrival, leading RS Berkane to refuse to play the match. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) subsequently submitted a formal protest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which was reportedly rejected.

The FAF is now escalating the issue to FIFA and potentially the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), leaving the status of the semifinal clash between the two clubs in limbo. The Western Sahara dispute has long been a contentious political issue between Morocco and Algeria, and the high level of passion both nations have for football has made any meeting between their clubs tense and fraught.

Why this matters: This incident illustrates how political disputes can spill over into the sporting realm, particularly in regions with a history of tension and conflict. The outcome of this controversy could have implications for future matches between clubs from Algeria and Morocco, as well as the broader relationship between the two countries.

The controversy is the latest in a series of incidents involving Algerian football authorities and clubs, as well as the growing influence of Morocco in African football. "The Western Sahara issue is a very sensitive one for both countries," a UNAF official said on condition of anonymity. "We hope that a resolution can be found that allows the match to proceed and keeps politics out of football."

Key Takeaways

• UNAF meeting in Algiers amid dispute between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara.
• Moroccan club RS Berkane wore jerseys with Western Sahara, leading to jersey seizure and match forfeit.
• Algerian FA protested to CAF, which was rejected, now escalating to FIFA and CAS.
• Incident illustrates how political disputes can spill over into sports, especially in regions with tension.
• UNAF official hopes for resolution to allow match and keep politics out of football.