The highly anticipated African Confederation Cup semi-final first-leg tie between Algerian side USM Alger and Moroccan side Renaissance Berkane was thrown into chaos due to a political dispute over the visiting team’s jersey. The Berkane shirt, featuring a map of Morocco that includes the disputed Western Sahara, was deemed provocative by Algerian authorities.
Upon their arrival in Algeria, Berkane’s kit was confiscated by customs and the team was detained at the airport for several hours before being allowed to proceed to their hotel. The controversy escalated as both teams arrived at the stadium for the match, with USM Alger taking the field while Berkane remained in their change room, presumably in protest at not being able to wear their kit.
The Confederation of African Football upheld Berkane’s right to wear the controversial jersey in the match after a meeting of their inter-clubs committee. However, the outcome of the tie remains uncertain as tensions over the Western Sahara dispute continue to strain relations between Morocco and Algeria.
The annexation of Western Sahara by Morocco in 1975 has been a longstanding point of contention, with the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, advocating for independence for the region. The United Nations brokered a ceasefire in 1991, but the issue remains unresolved, casting a shadow over the African football match and highlighting the political complexities in the region. The Confederation of African Football has yet to comment on the situation, leaving fans and officials alike in suspense over the fate of the semi-final match.