The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has denounced Algeria’s smearing of Morocco during the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN). 

In a statement published on its website, the FRMF was outraged by the “provocative and surreal speech that has flouted the rules governing the organization of soccer events under the auspices of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)”.

Morocco is not taking part in the tournament as the Algerian regime rejected the country’s request for its team to fly directly to Constantine, the Algerian city where its games were scheduled to be played.

“The FRMF rejects the racist remarks made by fans present at the opening ceremony against the Moroccan public known throughout the world for its civic-mindedness,” the statement said adding that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has sent a letter to CAF which is called upon to “assume full responsibility for these flagrant transgressions that have no link with the principles and values of football”.

CAF should assume full responsibility for the “blatant breaches” of the ethics of football, the Moroccan federation wrote, the FRMF said.

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Faouzi Lekjaa, said on Friday: “What we are experiencing today is that the Moroccan national team, which is present right now in the waiting room of the airport, is a pity.

“Young people have worked for years and prepared for this championship for months, and prepared on all sides to participate in the championship and to defend the title as well.”

Algeria severed diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021, in a dispute over the Western Sahara, a territory annexed by Morocco in 1975. The row meant all direct flights between the two countries were suspended.

On Friday morning in Rabat, players, football association delegation, journalists, representatives were all ready to board the flight from Rabat-Sale airport with the hope that Algeria would finally authorise the journey. However, the approval never came from Algiers.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer