CAF opens investigation into violations, events having marred CHAN Opening in Algeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that it will open an investigation to establish the extent to which political statements and events at the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship for local players (CHAN) in Algeria violate the statutes and regulations of CAF and FIFA.

In a statement published Sunday on its website, CAF said that it has been informed of certain political statements made during the opening ceremony of the CHAN in Algeria, and that it will investigate to what extent these actions violate the statutes and regulations of CAF and FIFA.

CAF is under an obligation and a duty, in accordance with its Regulations and Statutes and those of FIFA not to participate or get involved in politics and to be neutral on matters of a political nature, added CAF.

These political statements are not the statements of CAF and do not reflect the views or opinions of CAF as a politically neutral organization, insisted the African football governing body.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) had on its part denounced and strongly condemned the “malicious acts” and “despicable maneuvers” that marred the opening of the CHAN, Friday in Algeria.

In a statement published on its website, the FRMF denounced the “provocative and surreal speech that has flouted the rules governing the organization of soccer events under the auspices of the CAF.”

“The FRMF rejects the racist remarks made by fans present at the opening ceremony against the Moroccan public known throughout the world for its civic-mindedness,” the statement added.

The FRMF said it addressed a correspondence to CAF, urging it to “assume full responsibility for these flagrant transgressions that have no link with the principles and values of football.”