Morocco-Algeria Youth Handball Match Canceled Over Sahara Map Jersey Dispute

The handball match between Morocco and Algeria did not take place on Tuesday. The young Fennecs forfeited because of the jersey of the Atlas Lion Cubs emblazoned with the map of Morocco integrating the Sahara. While the referee was waiting for them at the covered hall of the Mohammed V complex where the match was to take place, they were conspicuous by their absence. It was only a few minutes later that Algeria’s forfeit was announced. Morocco was declared the winner by default. Before the match, the president of the Algerian Handball Federation, Karima Talbi, had warned that her country would opt for a boycott if the Moroccan team decided to wear jerseys containing a map of Morocco integrating the Sahara.

On Sunday, the dispute over the jersey containing a complete map of Morocco worn by the Moroccan players ended up causing the cancellation of the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals scheduled for the evening between Union Sportive de la Médina d’Alger and the Moroccan team RS Berkane, in Algeria.