Motsepe 'responds' to Morocco-Algeria saga

With the controversial jersey saga involving RS Berkane and USM Alger still ongoing, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has now reportedly responded to the situation.

The controversy began during the semi-finals of this season's CAF Confederation Cup, when RS Berkane visited USM Alger for a first-leg clash in Algeria.

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Officials of the Algerian team confiscated the jerseys of their opponents due to the fact that it displayed the map of the Western Sahara region, which is the subject of a political dispute between the two countries' governments.

CAF intervened in the matter, punishing the hosts of the first leg by handing Berkane a 3-0 win for both matches, which ultimately ensured the Moroccan outfit a spot in the final against Zamalek.

USM and the Algerian Football Federation escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing that Berkane's kit made a political statement, which is against FIFA regulations as well as CAF's.

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With the matter still ongoing despite the fact that Zamalek were crowned Confederation Cup champions after the final on Sunday, questions were put forward to the head of CAF, Motsepe, about the controversy.

According to Africa Foot, the South African was asked: "Why did CAF validate the Berkane Renaissance jersey when it is against FIFA regulations?"

He is said to have responded: "I am not aware of this subject. It was the Interclub Competitions Organising Commission which made this decision. I asked the administration to inform me."

It remains to be seen if anything more will come of this matter.

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