CAF orders release of RS Berkane jersey and equipment amid Algeria-Morocco dispute

Samuel Ahmadu

Algerian authorities’ seizure of jerseys and equipment belonging to Morocco’s RS Berkane has sparked tension ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first leg match slated for Sunday.

“The Moroccans arrived in Algeria on Friday but had their equipment and jerseys seized on account that the attires are depicting a complete map of Morocco with the southern provinces,” reports reveal.

This led to the Moroccan delegation getting stranded at the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, as they demanded the return of their jerseys and sports equipment confiscated by Algerian security forces before entering Algerian territory.

“We wish to inform you that the jersey in question complies with CAF Statutes and regulations. Therefore, we hereby inform you that the club RS Berkane is authorized to use the jerseys during the mentioned match,” CAF stated.

“In this regard, we request the Algerian Football Federation to take all necessary measures to facilitate the release of the equipment in question from customs as a matter of urgency in order to avoid disrupting the organizational aspects of the match. We count on your usual cooperation,” CAF further emphasized.

With the first leg of the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday at 5 pm, tensions are running high as both teams await a resolution to the equipment dispute.