The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld today the dismissal of appeals by USM Alger and the Algerian Football Federation, confirming that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and RS Berkane fully complied with applicable regulations.
The ruling, grounded in the res judicata principle of arbitration law, is final and binding, reinforcing the integrity of the CAS arbitration process.
Two appeals were filed with CAS, one by USM Alger seeking to replay the match.
CAS rejected this request, upholding the match result and confirming RS Berkane’s victory.
By rejecting the appeals, CAS affirmed that RS Berkane’s actions were in line with the regulations of both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, and that no violations occurred.
As established in previous case law, sanctions can only be imposed if clear violations are proven, and the absence of such violations confirms that both the FRMF and RS Berkane acted in good faith and adhered to the necessary regulations.
CAS also upheld RS Berkane’s victory, emphasizing that the match result was achieved fairly and lawfully.
Referee decisions are presumed valid unless concrete evidence of irregularity undermines the fairness of the match.
Another significant issue was the approval of RS Berkane’s jerseys. CAS ruled that the responsibility for equipment approval lies solely with CAF, a stance consistent with previous rulings, which have upheld that clubs and federations cannot be sanctioned for wearing gear approved by the organizing body.
CAS found no irregularities in the equipment used by RS Berkane, further confirming the club’s compliance with approval procedures.
CAS also reaffirmed that its mandate is not to settle geopolitical or diplomatic disputes.
The Court rejected any attempt by USM Alger or FAF to introduce non-sporting arguments, ruling that such matters fall outside its jurisdiction and should not impact the sporting outcome.
CAS also clarified that the matches played by Berkane, featuring jerseys with the full map of Morocco, remain valid and have not been annulled. This decision further validates that Morocco is in full compliance with all legal and regulatory standards.
This ruling strengthens Morocco’s position in international sports, affirming that its football federation and clubs respect the regulations of both FIFA and CAF. N
No sanctions or reprimands have been issued by CAF against RS Berkane or the FRMF.
CAS’s remarks were directed solely at CAF, and it is now up to CAF to address any points raised by the tribunal; Morocco is not implicated.
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