CAF Cup Semi-Final in Jeopardy: USM Alger Faces Dilemma Over Moroccan Jersey Dispute

The leaders of USMA refuse to play if RS Berkane wears its jersey emblazoned with a map of Morocco, considered a political provocation in Algeria. This unprecedented situation puts CAF in an uncomfortable position and places USMA before a Cornelian choice: play and contradict itself, or declare forfeit and suffer heavy sanctions.

According to CAF regulations, USMA risks a fine of $50,000 and exclusion from African interclub competitions for the next two editions. A blow for the Algiers club, which could also see its president and executives sanctioned.

Despite calls for calm from CAF, tensions remain high between the two camps. The Algerians have already seized the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge CAF’s decision. The eventuality of a forfeit by USMA cannot be ruled out. The Algerian club is already in Morocco, in a hotel in Saïdia, to show its false goodwill, and it is very likely that it will declare forfeit, the Moroccan club having no intention of changing its jersey.