Moroccan Club, Renaissance Berkane,have been granted a 3-0 victory over USM Alger in the Caf Confederation Cup semi-final’s first leg, despite their refusal to play due to Algerian customs officials confiscating their kit.
The jersey in question features an extended map of Morocco, including the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which Algeria views as a political provocation.
Consequently, the match was called off after Berkane declined to take the field, leading to the Confederation of African Football’s decision to award them the victory.
The matter has been referred to a disciplinary commission for potential further sanctions. The second leg is scheduled to take place in Berkane.
Tensions between Algeria and Morocco have long existed, with diplomatic ties severed in 2021. The political dispute also impacted last year’s African Nations Championship, causing Morocco to withdraw. The conflict over Western Sahara dates back to 1957, with Morocco annexing the territory in 1975, leading to a protracted dispute with the indigenous Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front.
