The first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final clash between Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) and USM Alger did not take place as scheduled. The Algerian authorities refused to release the RSB’s confiscated jerseys at the airport, resulting in the team’s inability to take the field. Only the USMA players graced the pitch, while the RSB players and referees remained absent.
The saga began when the RSB’s equipment was held up at the Algerian Customs on Friday. The CAF Interclub Competitions Committee later confirmed the club’s right to wear jerseys adorned with the Moroccan flag and map. Despite this ruling, the Algerian authorities persisted in withholding the jerseys, and the match never kicked off at the 5 July Stadium on Sunday.
Upon their return to Morocco, the RSB delegation received a grand welcome at the airport, complete with a spectacular display of smoke flares by passionate supporters. President Hakim Benabdellah expressed that the ball was now in CAF’s court: “The RSB traveled to Algeria, adhering to all regulations and CAF competition rules. We were taken aback by unacceptable actions upon our arrival. What stands out most is the unwavering support from the entire Moroccan populace, from Tangier to Lagouira. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and its president, Fouzi Lekjaâ, for championing the development of national football. The CAF sent two communications to the Algerian Football Federation, urging them to facilitate the return of RSB’s equipment and jerseys. Unfortunately, no action was taken. The decision will be delivered in the coming days, by the competition’s statutes and laws.”
Tunisian coach Mouine Chaâbani lamented the events of the previous Sunday: “We were ready until the last minute. While everyone awaited our response following the match cancellation, the CAF issued a cautious statement: ‘The first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Total Energies, scheduled for April 21, 2024, in Algiers between USM Alger and RS Berkane, did not occur.’”
In a subsequent ruling on April 21, 2024, the CAF Appeals Jury dismissed the Algerian Football Federation’s appeal against the decision made by the CAF Interclub Competitions Committee on April 20, 2024. This decision affirmed the RSB’s right to wear their current jerseys, emblazoned with the Moroccan flag and map, during the first leg of the semi-final against Union Sportive de la Médina (USM) Alger in the 2023/2024 Confederation Cup
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