Algeria takes Morocco to court over football strip row
The long-disputed territory of the Western Sahara has drawn yet another wedge between Algeria and Morocco after they row over a football jersey design.
Algeria will be taking Morocco to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the countries had a spat on 21st April over the inclusion of Western Sahara in Morocco’s football jersey design, The Associated Press reported.
The recent fallout resulted in a disruption of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final games between Berkane and USM Algiers.
READ: Algeria: Match off over Western Sahara shirt dispute
While Algeria disagreed with Morocco’s insinuated occupancy of Western Sahara, the CAF ruled that Algerian authorities breached the competition’s rules by confiscating the Moroccan team uniforms at the airport and awarded Berkane a win by default, scoring 3-0.
However, the laws of football state that any “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images” are forbidden on sports equipment.
Despite the law, Berkane has been wearing their jerseys all season. The sports court in Switzerland denied Algeria’s urgent appeal on the default win ruling.
One week later, Algeria’s team went to Berkane’s stadium to begin the match, however, the Algerian players refused to play if Bernkane wore their jerseys.
The CAF gave Berkane another default win.
The court revealed that the two sides “are currently exchanging written submissions” and that no date or panel has been formally organised yet.
Western Sahara has been a significant area of tension for Morocco and Algerian authorities as there is uncertainty over the rightful sovereign to the territory.
Morocco believes that it is the rightful sovereign to Western Sahara, while Algeria backs the pro-independence Polisario Front.
International recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty has also elevated international tensions with Algeria.
AP/Euronews
