Algeria Escalates Sports Rivalry: Censors Morocco from Women’s AFCON Coverage

Algeria is pursuing its offensive against Moroccan football and Morocco in general. While Algerian television channels had boycotted some of Morocco’s matches during the 2024 Ivory Coast AFCON, this time they have hidden all references to Morocco, the host country of the Women’s AFCON. "Several Moroccan media outlets have noticed, during a press conference by Fennecs coach Farid Benstiti, broadcast live on several Algerian channels, the disappearance of the Royal Air Maroc logo, a sponsor of the competition, on the advertising boards behind the podium. Via editing, it was replaced by the logo of another partner brand, TotalEnergies," reports Le Parisien.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is also acting against Morocco. On its social media, it has removed the "Morocco 24" mention, the tournament’s emblem, from several visuals, as can still be seen on the one accompanying the list of players selected for the AFCON, at the top center. Even the competition’s logo is censored on the touchline during Algeria’s first match in the competition, won 1-0 against Botswana on Sunday. Black adhesive tape is seen in place of the logo.

It remains to be seen whether Algeria will continue on this path. Algeria’s next match is this Thursday, July 10 at 6 pm against Tunisia.