Controversy over RS Berkane’s Kit in Caf Confederation Cup Semi-Final

The first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup semi-final between USM Alger and Renaissance Berkane took an unexpected turn on Sunday as the match was postponed due to a controversy over Berkane’s kit.

Berkane’s jersey features an extended map of Morocco, which includes the disputed territory of Western Sahara. This design was deemed provocative by Algerian officials, who confiscated the kit upon the team’s arrival in the country on Friday.

Despite the uproar, Berkane had been using the same jersey throughout the competition and Caf ultimately ruled in their favor, allowing them to wear the controversial kit for the match in Algiers.

The standoff led to a bizarre scene at the stadium, with USM Alger taking the field for kick-off while Berkane remained in the dressing room. The match was eventually called off, with Caf stating that the matter would be referred to the appropriate authorities.

This incident highlights the longstanding tensions between Morocco and Algeria over the Western Sahara region, which has been a point of contention since the 1970s. The dispute has led to a complex political situation, with the indigenous Sahrawi people represented by the Polisario Front seeking independence from Moroccan rule.

As both teams await the rescheduled second leg of the semi-final, the controversy surrounding Berkane’s kit serves as a reminder of the broader geopolitical issues that can intersect with the world of sports. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Caf Confederation Cup continues to unfold.