Algeria Boycotts 2022 African Handball Championship in Morocco Amid Diplomatic Tensions

The crisis between Algeria and Morocco is taking another turn. After the severing of diplomatic relations and the closure of airspace, the Algerian authorities have decided to snub the next Africa Cup of Nations handball that will take place in Morocco, reports the Algerian website La Gazette du Fennec.

While this decision was expected by many observers, it is the reasons given that are worrying the public. According to the media, the main cause of this withdrawal would be related to the cities of Laâyoune and Guelmim, which will host some of the matches of the competition.

"A choice that Algeria has always opposed, thus remaining faithful to its position in favor of the independence of Western Sahara," specifies the same source.

As a result of this decision, Algeria is depriving its men’s handball team of qualifying for the next World Cup, scheduled for January 12-29, 2023 in Poland and Sweden.