WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons vs Algeria Clash In Doubt As CAF Probes Team Over Statute Breach

CAF Launches Investigation Into Algeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially opened an investigation into the Algerian women’s national team for alleged violations of CAF statutes during the ongoing WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.

CAF, in its official statement, revealed that the probe stems from suspected conduct that contravenes the rules and regulations governing the tournament. No further details will be disclosed until the investigation is concluded. This was captured in the CAF website publication on Thursday.

The Nature of the Alleged Statute Breach

Although CAF has not disclosed the specific rule breached, multiple credible reports suggest that the investigation is focused on politically-motivated actions by the Algerian team. These include:

Obscuring or removing the word “Morocco” from official WAFCON logos and backdrops
Using black tape to cover Morocco’s name on benches and sponsor boards
Censoring Moroccan branding such as “Royal Air Maroc” during televised coverage on Algerian state TV
Deliberate exclusion of Moroccan elements from pre-match formalities, including group photos

Such acts are considered violations of CAF’s non-political stance and its statutes banning political expression during tournaments.

Timing: Just Before Nigeria Clash

The investigation was announced just days before Algeria’s crucial final Group B match against Nigeria’s Super Falcons. With the probe ongoing, the fixture now faces uncertainty, raising fears of a possible cancellation, postponement, or forfeiture.

Background: Algeria–Morocco Political Tension

The reported actions are believed to be politically motivated and connected to long-standing geopolitical tensions between Algeria and Morocco, especially over Western Sahara. However, CAF’s tournament statutes prohibit political messaging, regardless of context.

What Happens Next?

Depending on the outcome of the probe, Algeria could be facing any of these following penalties:

Financial fines
An official warning or reprimand
Forfeiture of their match against Nigeria
In extreme cases, disqualification or expulsion from the tournament

However, as at the time of this report as learnt by Kpomkwem News, CAF has not given a timeline for the ruling, but by past experiences, decisions in similar cases are typically made within a few days.