The military junta ruling Algeria has once again sparked controversy by banning the entry of the Berkane Sports Renaissance delegation into its territory
. The Algerian authorities prevented the Moroccan team from traveling to Algiers to play the semi-final first leg of the African Football Confederation Cup (CAF) against the Algiers Medina Sports Union (USMA) club.
The Moroccan players, who were wearing outfits featuring the map of Morocco, including its disputed Sahara region, were detained at Houari Boumédiène International Airport in Algiers. The Algerian authorities went as far as seizing their football equipment and uniforms, causing a significant disruption and inconvenience to the delegation.
This incident is just the latest in a series of tensions between Algeria and Morocco, with Algeria imposing restrictions on Moroccan flights since September 2021. These restrictions have led to recurring problems during sporting events and other meetings between the two countries.
The Berkane Sports Renaissance delegation had obtained special authorization to travel to Algiers on a Spanish plane in an attempt to bypass the access restrictions imposed by Algeria on Moroccan flights. However, they were still met with resistance and hostility upon their arrival.
This latest episode highlights the ongoing animosity between Algeria and Morocco, showcasing the deep-seated issues that continue to strain relations between the neighboring countries. The blockade of the Berkane Sports Renaissance delegation serves as a reminder of the complex political dynamics at play in the region.
