A Spanish media outlet recently reported that FIFA altered Morocco's map to exclude Western Sahara. This claim was eagerly echoed by both Algerian public and private media. However, when examining the official documents of FIFA this interpretation begins to fall apart.
The International Crisis Group highlights the fragile status quo between Morocco and Algeria, where issues like arms races, online disinformation, and Polisario militancy risk conflict escalation. The report emphasizes the role of the U.S. and European actors in preventing military confrontation and fostering dialogue for peace.
Amid the 2021 crisis with its traditional partners in Western Europe, Morocco chose to strengthen ties with Central and Eastern European countries. Despite Algeria's efforts to counter this move, the strategy has proven successful.