CAS Rejects Algerian Appeal in CAF Cup Controversy, Possible Sanctions Loom

The CAS rejected the request of the Algerian Football Federation and the USM Alger club and referred the case back to the Disciplinary Commission for further disciplinary action against the Algerian club, reports Radio Mars. The Algerian Football Federation and USM Alger could face a two-year suspension from continental competitions, a sanction that would also affect the Algerian national team. The CAF is expected to rule on the case at one of its next meetings, the same source indicates.

The CAF Competitions Commission validated the defeat of USM Alger by a score of three goals to zero, after it refused to play the match against Renaissance Berkane, counting for the first leg of the Confederation Cup semi-final taking place on Algerian soil.

To recall, the Algerian customs confiscated the jerseys of Renaissance Berkane containing a map of Morocco integrating the Sahara. The Algerian Football Federation offered to provide new jerseys to the Moroccan club in replacement of those, but the latter refused, threatening not to play without its jerseys and to return to Morocco. The semi-final match could not be held due to the refusal of the Algerian Union to participate. Hence the sanction of the CAF.

The final of the Confederation Cup will oppose Renaissance Berkane to the Egyptian club Zamalek, who defeated the Ghanaian club Dreams in the semi-final. The first leg of the final is scheduled for May 12, and the return leg on the 19th of the same month.