Algerian authorities stopped the delegation of Morocco’s football team, Renaissance de Berkane, and its players from leaving Algiers airport on Friday morning due to the team’s official jerseys, which feature the entire map of the Kingdom of Morocco.
According to sports media Hesport, Algerian authorities confiscated the team’s luggage upon arrival at the airport, before deciding to search the players’ clothing. The same source explained that the RSB players were subjected to unjustified harassment upon arrival at El Houari Boumediene airport, coming from Oujda Angad airport.
According to the same media outlet, the Algerian customs administration refused to allow RS Berkane officials to leave the airport, informing them of the country’s authorities’ refusal to allow the Berkane team to be present on Algerian territory with jerseys bearing the map of Morocco.
The same source confirmed that the players of the Moroccan club are still detained at the airport, awaiting a decision from the Algerian authorities.
RS Berkane is preparing to play the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against defending champions USM Alger on Sunday, April 21, at 8:00 PM, while the return leg will take place the following weekend in Berkane, a city in eastern Morocco.
Sportribune.com
