The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially upheld the ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the disputed RS Berkane jersey incident during their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against USM Alger.
The ruling, which favored the Algerian club, has significant implications for the competition moving forward.
CAF confirms compliance with CAS decision
Following the CAS verdict, which is final and cannot be appealed, CAF has confirmed that RS Berkane’s controversial jersey design will no longer be permitted in official matches.
The dispute centered on a symbol incorporated into the Moroccan club’s kit, which was deemed unauthorized.
Two high-ranking CAF officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity during the governing body’s 14th Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, stated that the decision is binding.
We have received the CAS ruling, and we are obliged to enforce it,” a member of the CAF Competitions Commission told BOTOLA.
Another senior CAF representative reinforced this stance, saying: “The ruling leaves no room for debate. We will implement it as instructed by CAS.”
Implications for the CAF competitions
With the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup set to take place in early April, CAF is moving swiftly to ensure compliance with the ruling.
USM Alger, who are preparing for their last-eight tie against CS Constantine, can now focus on their campaign without the distraction of the controversy.
Meanwhile, Algerian club MC Alger, still competing in the CAF Champions League, will also enter their next matches without concerns regarding RS Berkane’s disputed jersey issue.
Strict enforcement of CAS ruling
CAF’s enforcement of the CAS decision underscores the governing body’s commitment to maintaining order and fairness in African club competitions. The verdict ensures that all teams adhere to regulations regarding kit designs, preventing similar disputes in the future.
The ruling makes it clear that RS Berkane’s contested jersey design has no place in CAF competitions and will be restricted to matches played within Morocco’s national framework.
With this decision finalized, attention now shifts back to the football itself, as teams battle for continental glory in the next stage of the competition.
