It was a tense day for football officials and fans alike as the decision of the CAF Appeal Board loomed over the highly anticipated match between USMA (Algeria) and RS Berkane (Morocco) in the TotalEnergies Confederation Cup 2023/2024. The dispute centered around the utilization of RS Berkane’s current jerseys, which had sparked controversy and led to an appeal by the Algerian Football Federation against the decision of the CAF Interclubs Commission.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary-General of the Algerian Football Federation, dated April 21, 2024, the decision of the CAF Appeal Board was formally communicated. The board, comprised of Mr. Faustino Monteiro (Cape Verde) as Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Lubamba Ngimbi Hector (Democratic Republic of Congo), and Mr. Asogbavi Komlan (Togo), convened to deliberate on the matter.
The verdict was delivered as follows:
- The appeal lodged by the Algerian Football Federation against the decision of the CAF Interclubs Commission dated April 20, 2024, is dismissed.
- The decision of the CAF Interclubs Commission dated April 20, 2024, is upheld.
- All other requests or demands are rejected.
The decision, as outlined in the letter, is subject to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with Article 48(3) of the CAF Statutes. Interested parties have a window of ten (10) days from the notification of the decision to lodge an appeal with the CAS. The appeal must comply with the guidelines provided by the CAS and include all necessary documentation.
In the aftermath of the decision, tensions remained high, with both sides closely monitoring the situation. The upcoming match between USMA and RS Berkane would proceed as planned, with RS Berkane permitted to use their current jerseys. However, the possibility of further legal action loomed, as the door to appeal remained open.
For football enthusiasts and stakeholders, the decision of the CAF Appeal Board marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing controversy surrounding RS Berkane’s jerseys. As the match day approached, all eyes were on the players as they prepared to take to the field amidst the backdrop of legal proceedings and intense scrutiny. The outcome of the match would not only determine the fate of the teams but also shape the narrative of a contentious chapter in African football history.
