CAS Rules in Favor of Algerian Federation in dispute over RS Berkane’s controversial Map Jersey

Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld an appeal by the Algerian Football Federation regarding the decision to allow Moroccan club RS Berkane to wear a shirt featuring an extended map of Morocco, which included the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Confederation of African Football had previously approved the kit for use in continental competitions, despite the political sensitivity surrounding the inclusion of Western Sahara on the map.

The design sparked controversy in Algeria, resulting in a dispute that led to both legs of last season’s CAF Confederation Cup semi-final between RS Berkane and Algerian club USM Alger being called off.

The CAF disciplinary committee awarded Berkane two 3-0 victories, and the subsequent appeal by USM Alger was dismissed by CAF.