CAF CC: USMA’s Appeal Rejected as CAS Upholds Berkane’s Semi-Final Victory

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by Algerian club USM Alger (USMA), confirming RS Berkane’s controversial victory in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final.

USMA had sought a replay of the match, while the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) requested the end of the authorization of Berkane’s jersey, which includes a symbolic card. However, CAS ruled in favor of the Moroccan club, upholding the original match result and confirming that all games played by Berkane with the disputed jersey remain valid.

Furthermore, CAS clarified that Morocco acted within the legal framework, with no sanctions or criticisms directed at RS Berkane or the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The only remark from CAS was addressed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), without any punitive measures against the Moroccan club or its football governing body.

The ruling effectively puts an end to the controversy, solidifying Berkane’s place in the competition without further legal obstacles.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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