Roger Milla Sparks Controversy with Comments on North African Nations in African Football

"The Maghreb countries, they are the ones who always cause trouble. It is they who always cause disorder, I am sorry. I will tell them here as their brother, whether it is Morocco, Egypt or others, that it is not normal. If they are not Africans, let them play for Europe, for Asia or for others, but let them not come to cause trouble in the African continent," fumed Roger Milla in an interview with TV5 Monde. The former Cameroonian international blames Rabat and Cairo for having voted to postpone the organization of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2022) in Cameroon.

These remarks sparked heated controversy. Faced with the controversy, Roger Milla apologized to Morocco, but the anger of the Moroccans does not subside. "You must know, and everyone knows, Morocco played an important role in the appointment of Issa Hayatou [of Cameroonian nationality] as head of the African Football Confederation (CAF) at our place in Casablanca during the 1988 CAN. And to talk about you [Roger Milla], you were always welcome in our country, it’s normal, a great player. But there, you played small arms since you are attacking our kingdom, our integrity with lies, slanderous remarks that make no sense," reacted the former Moroccan international Mustapha El Haddaoui.

He will recall that Morocco has played its role, that of an African country, like Cameroon in football. "Morocco organized a mini-CAN [...] with great success and without fanfare, it did its duty as an African country [...] Maybe some are pushing you to say bullshit like that," added the former Atlas Lion. In the wake of this, three Algerian journalists currently in Cameroon for media coverage of CAN 2022 were assaulted in Douala. Some Internet users do not hesitate to accuse the old Lion of racism. "And after, it’s the Maghrebians who are racists and savages according to Roger Milla. Strange!" writes an Algerian Internet user. The reaction of the Cameroonians did not wait. "In Douala, you go through the wrong neighborhood at the wrong time, you get attacked regardless of who you are. Nothing to do with Roger Milla’s remarks," comments a Cameroonian Internet user.

Reacting to the former Cameroonian international’s outburst, Moroccan sociologist Brahim Labari talks about "misplaced nationalism", reports Sputniknews. "It’s chauvinism bordering on stupidity. He didn’t weigh his words well and that’s what happens when you react hastily," he says, while ruling out the thesis of "racism".