The Algerian Football Federation succeeds at CAS

Morgan Sports Law successfully represented the Algerian Football Federation (“FAF”) before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”).

In April 2024, the Appeals Jury of the Confederation of African Football (“CAF”) maintained the approval of the shirt worn by the Moroccan team Renaissance Sportive Berkane (“RS Berkane”) during the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup, which displayed a map of Morocco including the territory of the Western Sahara (the “Contested Decision”).

The FAF appealed the Contested Decision, alleging that RS Berkane’s shirt featured a political message and thus contravened FIFA and CAF regulations, as well as the International Football Association Board (“IFAB”) Laws of the Game. The Contested Decision was defended by the CAF, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (“FRMF”) and RS Berkane.

Following a hearing in November 2024, a three-member CAS panel determined that RS Berkane’s shirt contravened CAF regulations and annulled the CAF Appeals Jury’s decision to maintain its approval.

The FAF was represented in the CAS proceedings by William Sternheimer and Marko Lavs, with assistance from other members of the Football Disputes team at Morgan Sports Law.

Morgan Sports Law acted as specialist co-counsel alongside Arnaud Constans and Solacy Avocats.