USM Alger initiates legal battle to halt RS Berkane’s Confederation Cup final progress

USM Alger, the reigning champions of the Confederation Cup, have intensified their efforts to contest the semi-final outcome against RS Berkane of Morocco, with the Algerian club filing a fresh appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Facing sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which resulted in two defeats by default (3-0), USM Alger remains undeterred in their pursuit of justice.

The club’s latest appeal to CAS centers around allegations regarding the political connotations of Berkane’s jerseys, perceived as a breach of CAF regulations.

Confirming the move, USM Alger president Kamal Hassina emphasized the club’s resolve, stating, “Today is May 6, and we sent the last file to the CAS after having sent the first file following the first leg.”

Hassina reiterated the club’s faith in the legal process, highlighting the appointment of a competent lawyer to champion their cause.

The essence of USM Alger’s plea to CAS is clear: they seek to suspend or postpone the Confederation Cup final fixtures against Berkane, scheduled for May 12 and 19, pending a final verdict from CAS.

Hassina emphasized this stance, stating, “We asked the CAS not to play this final or to postpone it through our lawyers.”

Despite their persistence, the likelihood of CAS granting USM Alger’s request for a suspensive effect appears slim.

CAS had previously rejected a similar plea ahead of the semi-final second leg. However, USM Alger remains resolute in their quest for a fair resolution to the dispute.

The legal battle between USM Alger and RS Berkane adds a new layer of complexity to the Confederation Cup narrative, underscoring the significance of adherence to regulatory standards in continental football competitions.

As the proceedings unfold, football enthusiasts await CAS’s verdict, which could shape the outcome of the tournament’s finale.

🔴INFOS | USM Alger-TAS-RSB Berkane :

L’USM Alger, par le biais de son avocat Arnaud Constant, a demandé un arrêt suspensif de la finale le temps que le TAS puisse rendre ses conclusions dans les différentes affaires opposant la FAF et l’USM Alger à la CAF et le RSB Berkane… pic.twitter.com/Amdl6FYvRU

— La Gazette du Fennec (@LGDFennec) May 6, 2024