The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for football to serve as a unifying force amid a diplomatic crisis that led to Morocco’s withdrawal from the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria. On January 13, 2023, during a press interaction at Rabat-Salé Airport, where he arrived for the FIFA Club World Cup draw, Motsepe expressed disappointment over Morocco’s absence from the tournament due to Algeria’s refusal to allow a direct Royal Air Maroc flight to Constantine. His remarks underscore football’s potential to bridge divides, even as political tensions between Morocco and Algeria escalate.
Morocco’s Withdrawal from CHAN 2023
Morocco, the defending CHAN champions with titles in 2018 and 2020, withdrew from the 2023 tournament after Algerian authorities denied permission for a direct flight from Rabat to Constantine for their opening match against Sudan on January 15. The African Nations Championship, unique for featuring only domestic league players, kicked off that day with Algeria defeating Libya 1-0 at Baraki Stadium in Algiers. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) stated that CAF had informed them on December 22, 2022, of a provisional authorization, but the final approval never materialized, prompting their withdrawal.
The FRMF emphasized their readiness, having submitted flight details to CAF, but “the final authorisation has unfortunately not been confirmed.” This decision stemmed from Algeria’s 2021 closure of its airspace to Moroccan flights, a move tied to broader diplomatic tensions, including disputes over Western Sahara and normalized Morocco-Israel relations.
Motsepe’s Plea for Unity
Motsepe, visibly saddened, expressed his desire for Morocco’s participation, stating, “I want Morocco to be in Algeria to play football. I want these young boys to represent people from Morocco and Africa as well.” He highlighted efforts to mediate, having engaged Algerian authorities who expressed openness to hosting Morocco. However, “complications” arising from the nations’ strained relations proved insurmountable. Motsepe stressed CAF’s commitment to neutrality, saying, “We respect the sovereignty of every nation,” while pledging to continue fostering unity through football.
He envisioned a tournament where “supporters, fans motivate the players,” emphasizing that CAF’s mission extends beyond politics to promote “African brotherhood and sisterhood.” Motsepe’s remarks reflect his broader vision of leveraging football to unite the continent, a theme he reiterated during his 2021 election as CAF president and subsequent initiatives like increasing CHAN’s prize money to $10.4 million in 2025.
Broader Context and Implications
The Morocco-Algeria crisis, rooted in decades-long tensions, overshadowed CHAN 2023, with Morocco’s absence robbing the tournament of a key contender. Algeria’s airspace closure, enacted in 2021, exemplifies the political barriers impacting sports, a concern Motsepe addressed during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite the setback, Motsepe’s call for unity aligns with CAF’s efforts to promote football’s values, as seen in the successful hosting of CHAN 2025 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where Morocco competed without similar issues.
In Nigeria, where economic challenges like 52.2% inflation and a cedi at GH¢13 to the US dollar in January 2023 persist, Motsepe’s message resonates as a call for sports to inspire hope. While the 2023 crisis highlighted football’s vulnerability to politics, his commitment to “not stop fighting” for unity offers a path forward for African football.
No 2025 CHAN Crisis Reported
Regarding your query about a Morocco-Algeria crisis over CHAN 2025, no such incident is detailed in the provided data. Morocco participated in CHAN 2025, hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, facing Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia in Group A. Motsepe praised the host nations’ preparations, and no flight or diplomatic issues were reported, suggesting improved coordination or eased tensions.
