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Algerian professional footballer Yousri Bouzok, who plays as a winger for Raja Club Athletic (RCA), refused to participate in his team's match against Rabat’s AS FAR as part of the CAF Champions League due to a jersey that features the complete map of Morocco.
Media reports stated that Bouzok requested to be excused from the match to avoid any embarrassment or potential issues with Algerian authorities upon his return to his country.
In response to this stance, Raja's management threatened to refer the footballer to the disciplinary committee if he insisted on his position, with the possibility of imposing financial penalties for breaching the contract terms.
It is worth noting that Raja Casablanca unveiled its new jersey, adorned with the complete map of Morocco, on August 15.
Jersey dispute
It is not the first time that an Algerian player has cited the same excuse. Algerian footballer Houari Ferhani, who plays for Moroccan club Olympic Club Safi, and goalkeeper Gaya Merbah had previously refused to play in similar jerseys while representing Moroccan clubs.
This tension dates back to a crisis that erupted last season between USM Alger and RS Berkane when the Algerian team refused to play the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final match due to the jersey, leading CAF to consider them defeated.
Later, the CAF approved the use of jerseys featuring the complete map of Morocco, allowing them to be worn in CAF Cup competitions this season.
At that time, Algerian media described the decision as a «scandal in CAF», while another media outlet considered it a «new blow to Algeria» by CAF.
In October, the Confederation of African Football announced penalizing USM Alger with a fine of 40,000 dollars, after their withdrawal from the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final matches against RS Berkane last season.
