Morocco Defied FIFA to Support Algeria’s National Soccer Team in 1958

In 1958, FIFA did not recognize the French Algerian team and had warned the Moroccan team not to play a match against it, under penalty of being sanctioned. At the time, the Moroccan team was already recognized by the highest football authority. In October 1957, it had played its first official match against the Iraqi team, which ended in a draw (3-3). Despite the threats from FIFA, the Moroccan team had agreed to face its Algerian counterpart. "Even if the sanction was for four years, Morocco would play this match for Algeria," the late Mohammed V had declared. In 1957, his son, the late Hassan II, had contributed to the formation of a team under the name of the "National Liberation Front Football Team". The following year, he had encouraged the late Abdellah Settati, then a professional player in France, to orchestrate the escape of Algerian professional players from France and join the ranks of the liberation army. The most recognized players were Rachid Mekhloufi and Mustapha Zitouni.

Thus, Abdellah Settati and his teammates had decided to participate in a tournament alongside Tunisia, the host country, and Morocco and the United Arab Republic (Syria and Egypt), the kickoff of which was given on May 8, 1958. The latter withdrew from the competition due to threats from FIFA. As for the Moroccan team, it had maintained its decision. It had therefore faced the team of the Algerian National Liberation Front. A match that ended in an Algerian victory by two goals to one. After the match, Morocco had been sanctioned by FIFA, which had deprived it of its first participation in the African Cup of Nations (CAN).

In addition to this sacrifice, Morocco had been of invaluable help to the Algerian people unconditionally, from the beginning of the revolution in 1954 until the country’s independence in 1962. It had made financial resources, material goods, and even weapons available to it.