CAF enforces political neutrality ruling in RS Berkane shirt dispute

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has aligned with a directive from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the ongoing dispute over Renaissance Berkane’s shirts.

The case pitted the Algerian Football Federation and USM Alger against Renaissance Berkane and the Moroccan Federation, with CAS ruling that politically charged imagery on jerseys violates CAF’s statutes and regulations.

As the top judicial authority under FIFA’s framework, CAS emphasized that CAF’s rules mandate political neutrality across its competitions, obligating CAF to uphold this standard rigorously. Per Article 48, paragraph 6 of CAF’s statutes, the decision is final and binding for CAF, its member associations, and affiliated clubs.

In response, CAF declared, “As of the date of this letter, players will not be authorized or banned from participating in CAF competitions if their assignments include a message, card, logo, or any other representation of a political nature.”

The statement underscored that while member associations bear primary responsibility, CAF’s relevant department must verify equipment compliance. CAF warned that violations could lead to bans or mandated alterations to non-compliant shirts during tournaments.