Algeria Withdraws from 2022 African Handball Championship in Morocco Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Algeria will not participate in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for January 13-22 in Guelmim and Laâyoune, a source within the Royal Moroccan Handball Federation (FRMHB) told Le360. This information was confirmed after the draw.

Algiers takes a dim view of the organization of this major sporting event in the Saharan provinces. Algeria has always supported the Polisario in its struggle for the independence of the Sahara, while Morocco has repeatedly reiterated its sovereignty over this territory. A sovereignty recognized by the United States in December 2020. This is also one of the reasons for the rupture by the eastern neighbor of its diplomatic relations with the kingdom.

The Algerian decision will have a negative impact on the Fennecs. In accordance with the regulations of the African Handball Confederation, the Algerian handball players could be deprived of the next two editions of the CAN.