CAS rules against political symbols on football jerseys in CAF competitions

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled that any images with political connotations on football shirts violate the regulations set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

This decision comes in response to a case involving the Algerian Football Federation and USM Alger against Renaissance Berkane and the Moroccan Football Federation.

As the highest judicial authority in sports disputes under FIFA regulations, CAS reaffirmed CAF’s principle of political neutrality in its competitions.

The ruling emphasized that CAF must enforce this principle effectively, in line with its statutes and regulations.

According to Article 48, Paragraph 6 of the CAF statutes, the CAS decision is final and binding on CAF, its member associations, and affiliated clubs.

Following the ruling, CAF issued a statement clarifying its stance: “As of the date of this letter, players will not be authorized or banned from participating in CAF competitions if their assignments include a message, card, logo, or any other representation of a political nature.

CAF further noted that while the responsibility for compliance lies with its member associations, the governing body will oversee the verification and certification of sports equipment to ensure it adheres to these regulations.

The statement also warned that failure to comply could result in disciplinary action, including banning or requiring modifications to shirts that breach the political neutrality rule.