Algerian Media Targets Comedian Jamel Debbouze in World Cup Referee Controversy

"In Morocco, there is a mediator in the Gassama affair... it is Jamel Debbouze, if it was easy, FIFA would have made its decision as soon as possible," said Mohamed Khazrouni, a former Algerian international footballer, who is also a commentator for the Algerian television channel Al-Bilad. To support his allegations, he claimed that the Gambian referee Bakary Gassama has connections in France and was influenced by the Franco-Moroccan comedian during the refereeing of the 2022 World Cup playoff between Algeria and Cameroon.

"Jamel Debbouze organizes the Marrakech Comedy Festival, he is close to the king and has close ties with Lekjaa (president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, editor’s note). He is an influential person and lives in Paris. Gassama has connections in France... I am not an expert in refereeing matters, but we, as athletes, have information," he added. Mohamed Khazrouni is convinced that the boss of Moroccan football has asked Jamel Debbouze to make this "coup" succeed, because he would not have "digested the exit of the Atlas Lions A from the Arab Cup of Nations at the hands of Algeria thanks to a historic goal by Youcef Belaïli".

Eliminated by Cameroon in the World Cup Qatar 2022 playoff, which will take place from November 21 to December 18, Algeria is having trouble moving on. After this defeat, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) filed an appeal with FIFA to try to have the match replayed. Pending the decision of the governing body, Algerians - starting with the coach of the Fennecs - are making controversial statements.