The Algerian Football Federation and local media are attempting to minimize recognition of Algeria’s participation in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco. This includes actions such as altering official logos and ignoring Moroccan sponsors, raising questions about their motives amid ongoing political tensions centered around the Western Sahara issue.
Morocco will host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, from July 5 to 26. This event, the second of its kind organized by Morocco following a successful 2022 edition, will showcase the best female teams from across the continent.
Since the tournament’s inception, observers have noted a series of actions by Algeria seemingly aimed at obscuring any association with Morocco. For instance, the official page of the Algerian women’s national team promoted the tournament with a modified logo of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), omitting the word “Morocco.” This alteration has drawn widespread criticism, as modifying official logos is considered a breach of regulations, especially since Algeria is participating on Moroccan soil and benefiting from the facilities provided.
The controversy extends to media coverage as well. Viewers have pointed out that Algeria’s state television altered advertisements related to the tournament, removing the logo of Royal Air Maroc—one of the event’s official sponsors—and replacing it with another company’s logo. Such omissions are seen as a violation of contractual obligations with CAF. Reports also indicate that the uniforms of the Algerian women’s national team have been carefully designed to eliminate any associations with Morocco, further escalating the debate.
Additionally, it appears that the Algerian team has been instructed to avoid participation in official photos or events that prominently feature Morocco as the host nation. These coordinated steps raise questions about whether they reflect independent administrative decisions or a deeper political agenda.
Understanding these actions requires considering the complex political backdrop of Moroccan-Algerian relations. Diplomatic ties were severed in August 2021, and tensions have intensified, particularly regarding the Western Sahara issue. Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the territory, while Morocco views Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory. The Moroccan government has made significant diplomatic strides, garnering support from numerous countries.
These tensions have extended into the sports arena. Previous tournaments, like the African Nations Championship held in Algeria in 2023, saw sharp disputes that ultimately led to Morocco’s withdrawal due to restrictions on travel from Rabat.
In the context of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria appears determined to avoid any indication of acceptance or normalization with Morocco, even within a sports framework. This stance reflects the internal political sensitivities in Algeria, where any cooperation with Morocco, even indirectly, is perceived as potentially exploitable for propaganda purposes.
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