The CAF Confederation Cup final is set to kick off on Sunday with a highly anticipated clash between Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane and Egyptian giants Zamalek. However, the buildup to the match has been marred by off-field drama that threatens to overshadow the sporting spectacle.
At the heart of the controversy lies a dispute over the inclusion of a map of Western Sahara on Berkane’s shirts. Algerian side USMA, who forfeited both legs of their semi-final against Berkane due to the map issue, have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn the decisions. They also seek a postponement of the first leg of the final.
The map controversy erupted when Algerian customs officials seized Berkane’s kit before the first leg of the semi-final on April 21. The map included Western Sahara, a territory controlled by Morocco but claimed by the Polisario Front, which seeks independence. Algeria supports the Polisario Front and opposes Moroccan rule.
CAF ordered the Algerian authorities to return the confiscated kit, but they failed to do so. As a result, Berkane refused to play and were awarded a 3-0 walkover. USMA argued that the shirts contained a political message that violated CAF and FIFA regulations.
Morocco countered that shirts with the map had been worn in several other countries during the tournament without objection. USMA traveled to Morocco for the return match but again refused to play, reportedly due to the presence of the map on Berkane’s shirts. This led to another 3-0 walkover for Berkane.
Meanwhile, Zamalek have expressed concerns over the choice of Tunisian VAR officials for the first leg, citing the Tunisian nationality of Berkane’s coach, Mouin Chaabani. The Cairo club believes this violates CAF’s principles of equality and impartiality.
Despite the off-field distractions, both Berkane and Zamalek will be eager to focus on the sporting aspect of the final. Berkane have a formidable home record in the competition, while Zamalek have impressed in their away matches.
The first leg of the final will be played at the Stade Municipal in Berkane on Sunday, May 15, with the return leg scheduled for May 19 in Cairo.
