Algeria are preparing to host the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) but ongoing political differences between the North African country and neighbors Morocco are coming into full view and it appears that the possibility that Morocco may not participate at the CHAN is close to becoming a reality. Due to political issues ranging from Algeria’s disapproval of Morocco’s normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel to Algeria’s support for guerillas fighting against the Moroccan government in the disputed region of Western Sahara, the two countries have had little to no diplomatic contact since Algeria severed ties with their neighbors in August 2021.
The fractured relationship between the two countries led to an airspace ban from Algeria where Moroccan planes cannot fly into the country, which means that the Moroccan team is required to take an alternative flight path. Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa stated that if the ban is not lifted to allow a direct flight for the team from Morocco to Algeria then the Atlas Lions would not participate at the CHAN. The head of the CHAN organizing committee in Algeria, Rachid Oukali, indicated that Morocco’s case was not unique with many of the participating nations needing to take similar journeys. Several French-language media sources are reporting that Algeria rejected the requests of the FRMF but Moroccan outlet Le360° Sport cited a source within the FRMF who stated that Algeria has not responded yet after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) forwarded the FRMF’s request.
There is no official comment yet from CAF but it appears that neither Algerian nor Moroccan authorities are willing to move on the issue, which will require a judgment or intervention from CAF. If Morocco refuse to participate the winners of the last two editions of the CHAN will not be able to defend their title. The Atlas Lions are in Group C with Sudan, Madagascar and Ghana with their opening match set for January 15 against Sudan.
