The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have found themselves in an awkward position following political remarks made at the Opening Ceremony of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship in Algeria. 

CAF was in the wrong by allowing Algeria to use the opening ceremony of the continental tournament as a platform to smear Morocco and challenge its territorial integrity.

The Continental governing body have released a statement which reads: “The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) is under an obligation and a duty, in accordance with its Regulations and Statutes and those of FIFA not to participate or get involved in politics and to be neutral on matters of a political nature.

“CAF has been informed that certain political statements were made during the opening ceremony of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Algeria 2022 on Friday 13 January 2023 in Algiers.

“These political statements are not the statements of CAF and do not reflect the views or opinions of CAF as a politically neutral organisation.”

CAF have further said “they will investigate and look into the political statements and events at the opening ceremony of the TotalEnergies CHAN Algeria 2022 and assess whether there was compliance with the CAF and FIFA Regulations and Statutes.”

However CAF’s statement on the political remarks and events at the Opening Ceremony leaves much to be desired. They knew very well what was going on at the Opening Ceremony. They should have condemned those remarks immediately and issued a rebuke to Algeria.

CAF allowed the Algerian regime and Nelson Mandela’s Grandson Zwelivelile Mandela, to deliver an anti-Morocco political speech attacking the country’s territorial integrity.

CAF must bear the responsibility for allowing political messages on a platform that has nothing to do with politics.

Mandela’s Political remarks at the opening Ceremony remarks have but CAF in bad light considering its CAF who invited him for the ceremony.

It added salt to injury as Algeria had already refused to allow Morocco entry through Constantine.

We are of the view that CAF should make host nations of CAF events to enable all participating teams have a smooth travel regardless of which country they are coming from.

The decision by the Algerian regime to deny Morocco a direct flight to that country is discrimination regardless of the political differences between the two nations.

For CAF to allow such a moment on a matter very delicate on an opening Ceremony of Football on issues about Western Sahara put even the matter more worse.

In addition to the politicization of the CHAN’s launching ceremony, Algerian fans in the stadium were filmed chanting offensive slogans comparing Moroccans to animals.

Morocco’s Football Federation described the behavior of Algerian fans and the opening ceremony as “vile practices,” “absurd maneuvers,” and a “flagrant violation of the laws governing football events.”

Football should not be used for championing political messages or issuing racist remarks. Football is a unifying factor for all.

CAF must come clean and call-out the Algerian regime and state that there is no room for politics, racism and discrimination in our beautiful game.

Football should not be used to to fight a certain group of people. Football is to be enjoyed by everyone. Football does not discriminate

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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