The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has decided to file an appeal against the verdict made by African Football Confederation (CAF) which failed to take appropriate measures against Algeria for mixing politics and sports during the 2022 African Nations Championship.
The CAF Disciplinary Board met over the weekend to deliberate on the matter referred to it by the Organizing Committee of the CHAN-2022, following the no-show of the Moroccan team in Algeria “due to circumstances totally beyond their control” and the anti-Moroccan remarks made by Zwelivelile Mandela during the opening ceremony of the tournament.
Regarding the provocative statements made by the grandson of Nelson Mandela against Morocco’s territorial integrity, the CAF Disciplinary Board “considered that it should not find vicarious liability on the Algerian Football Federation and that the provisions of strict liability could not have been foreseen and should not apply.”
The decision has been challenged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation because Zwelivelile Mandela was invited by the host country which knew very well the hatred discourse of their guest and used him to serve its political agenda.
The CAF Disciplinary Committee concluded that Royal Moroccan Federation was “unable to travel and participate in the CHAN due to circumstances totally beyond their control, and as such no sanction of whatsoever nature is imposed on the Royal Moroccan Federation.”
The Disciplinary Board dismissed the Algerian Football Federation’s claim for damages.
On January 13, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Head of CAF Patrice Motsepe witnessed in person the plane of Royal Air Maroc, which was to fly the Moroccan team of local players under 23, waiting at the airport for the green light from the Algerian authorities to take off for Constantine to defend their African Nations Champion title.
The Algerian rulers had deliberately prevented the Moroccan team from taking part in the CHAN-2022 and should be held accountable.
