Algerian Soccer Team’s Hotel Mishap Sparks Cultural Misunderstanding in Morocco

Hotel employees say they were surprised to find that the Algerian players were not used to using these taps, which are available in most tourist establishments in Morocco, but do not exist in Algerian hotels. The players, with an offensive tone, criticized the quality of the hotel’s service, lamenting that the taps were not working.

But the hotel staff handled the situation with diplomacy and courtesy by showing them how these modern taps work. This embarrassed the USM Alger players who were complaining about the lack of water in the hotel.

USM Alger had refused to play the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against Renaissance de Berkane, due to the Moroccan club’s jersey containing a map of Morocco integrating the Sahara. Faced with this refusal, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared Renaissance de Berkane the winner by a score of 3-0.

The Algerian Football Federation and USM Alger have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to suspend the decision of the CAF Appeals Committee confirming the defeat of the Algerian team. But the body rejected their request. Renaissance de Berkane will face the Egyptian club Zamalek in the final. The first leg is scheduled for May 12, and the second leg on the 19th of the same month.