Morocco’s Political Maneuvering Through Sport: Controversy Surrounding Berkane Club’s Jersey Sparks Outcry Ahead of CAF Match

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

In the lead-up to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final between Union Sportive Médina d’Alger (USMA) of Algeria and Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane Club, a politically charged incident unfolded at Algiers airport, triggering widespread outrage and controversy.

Initially, the atmosphere at the airport was welcoming, with the Algerian hosts extending warm hospitality to the visiting Moroccan team. However, tensions arose when the Berkane delegation, known to be affiliated with Morocco’s Makhzen, showcased jerseys featuring a map of Morocco that included the occupied Western Sahara—an action perceived as provocative and offensive.

This move raised suspicions regarding Berkane’s motives for including the controversial map on their jerseys. Furthermore, it violated CAF regulations, specifically Article 6, which prohibits unauthorized advertisements, particularly of a political nature, on jerseys when playing in foreign countries.

Algerian authorities promptly intervened to enforce the removal of all jerseys bearing the contentious map, despite attempts by the Berkane Club to justify their gesture. Their actions were widely condemned for politicizing what should have been a purely sporting event.

Officials from the Algerian Football Federation stressed the importance of adhering to host country regulations and preserving the integrity of the game. While acknowledging football’s potential as a unifying force, they underscored the need to prevent its exploitation for political purposes.

In response, the Algerian private electronic channel Dzair Tube initiated a social media campaign under the hashtag #WeAreUSMA in support of the Union Sportive Médina d’Alger (USMA).
The campaign, appealing to Algerian pages and social media users, seeks solidarity in raising awareness of the issue to FIFA, highlighting political interference from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Fouzi Lekjaa.

Accusations of bias and manipulation have been directed at Lekjaa and the CAF, as USMA finds itself the latest target in a series of incidents involving political agendas overshadowing football matches.
Algerian football supporters demand a united stance against the “mafia of CAF” and the politicization of the sport. They argue that football should remain apolitical and that Lekjaa and the CAF have crossed ethical boundaries.

Despite the clarity of CAF regulations, particularly Article 6, which strictly prohibits advertising or political statements on jerseys when playing outside one’s home country, Lekjaa is pressuring CAF officials to permit Berkane to wear the controversial jerseys.

The urgency of the situation has led to calls for FIFA’s intervention ahead of the upcoming match. Algerian fans assert that FIFA must act swiftly to uphold the integrity of the game and prevent political interference from compromising fair play.

The #WeAreUSMA campaign aims to make the hashtag a global trend, urging social media users to share and amplify the message. Algerians view the issue as not just about football but also about national pride and sovereignty.

Union Sportive Médina d’Alger represents more than a football club; it embodies the spirit and resilience of the Algerian people. Therefore, the campaign emphasizes that the fight against political interference is a collective responsibility for all Algerians.

In the face of adversity, Algerian football fans are determined to voice their concerns and stand in solidarity with the USMA. They believe that by uniting, they can send a powerful message to FIFA and the world that football should be about the love of the game, not political agendas.

Resolving the Western Sahara Issue: Upholding Self-Determination and International Law
The conflict over Western Sahara, a territory situated in the Sahel region and bordered by Algeria, the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mauritania, stands as a clear-cut example of decolonization struggles in Africa. Recognized as a Non-Self-Governing Territory of the United Nations (UN), Western Sahara is home to the indigenous Sahrawi people, and its history is marked by a protracted dispute rooted in colonial legacies and international law violations.

During the colonial period from 1884 to 1975, Western Sahara was under Spanish rule, leaving behind unresolved territorial claims and political instability. In November 1975, Morocco’s unilateral annexation of the territory, facilitated by the so-called “Green March” and subsequent settlement of Moroccan civilians, triggered international condemnation. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirmed Western Sahara’s distinct status as a Non-Self-Governing Territory and recognized the Sahrawi people’s sovereignty over their homeland.

In response to Moroccan occupation, the Polisario Front emerged as the leading force advocating for self-determination and independence for the Sahrawi people. Recognized by the UN General Assembly as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, the Polisario Front engaged in armed struggle against Moroccan forces until a UN-brokered ceasefire was reached in 1991.

Despite the ceasefire, the status of Western Sahara remained unresolved, with Morocco maintaining control over parts of the territory. The UN established the Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to oversee peacekeeping efforts and facilitate a referendum on self-determination. However, political deadlock and competing interests have hindered progress towards a lasting solution.
Following nearly three decades of adherence to a ceasefire established in 1991, Morocco and the Polisario Front have once again engaged in a war in Western Sahara, with Morocco’s act of aggression on the Saharawi Liberated Territories on November 13, 2020, effectively undermining the ceasefire and reigniting hostilities.

This renewed aggression by Morocco not only terminated the long-standing ceasefire and associated military agreements but also dealt a severe blow to the UN-led peace process in Western Sahara, plunging the region into a renewed state of extreme tension and instability.

Both the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council have officially confirmed the breakdown of the 1991 ceasefire as of November 13, 2020. In his report dated October 1, 2021 (S/2021/843; para 2), the UN Secretary-General acknowledged, among other developments, “the resumption of hostilities” between Morocco, the occupying state, and the Frente Polisario. Similarly, in its resolution 2602 (2021), adopted on October 29, 2021, the Security Council expressed “deep concern” over the breakdown of the ceasefire (PP 14).
In addition, legal rulings and UN resolutions consistently uphold the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and condemn Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara. The European Court of Justice and the UN General Assembly have reaffirmed the territory’s distinct status and emphasized the illegality of economic activities undermining Sahrawi rights.

Algeria plays a significant role in supporting the Sahrawi cause, providing humanitarian aid and diplomatic backing to the Polisario Front. Viewing Western Sahara as a decolonization issue, Algeria advocates for UN-led negotiations and the implementation of Resolution 1514 for self-determination.

International efforts, including roundtable discussions facilitated by the UN Special Envoy, aim to revive negotiations and find a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict. However, challenges persist, exacerbated by competing geopolitical interests and resource exploitation in Western Sahara by Morocco.

As the conflict approaches its sixth decade, the need for a peaceful, just, and mutually acceptable resolution becomes increasingly urgent. The Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination must be respected, and any proposed solution should adhere to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.