Very upset after the political speech made by the grandson of Nelson Mandela, Zwelivelile, and the racist chants of Algerian fans against Moroccans, the club of lawyers in Morocco announced, Monday, January 16, have decided to refer to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, to denounce this scandal.
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria started last Friday. During the opening ceremony of this tournament, Nelson Mandela's grandson, Zwelivelile, made a speech that Moroccans did not appreciate. "Let's fight to free Western Sahara from oppression" said the South African, before adding "do not forget the last colony in Africa, Western Sahara.
Morocco angry, referred to FIFA disciplinary committee
Following these comments and racist chants of Algerian fans, the president of the club of lawyers in Morocco, Mourad Elajouti, announced Monday, January 16, through a series of publications on his Twitter account, that Morocco has decided to refer to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. This, to denounce the "provocative and surreal speech" of Zwelivelile and demand the exclusion of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) by FIFA.
"The Club of Lawyers in Morocco will refer to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to denounce the political instrumentalization of the opening ceremony of the CHAN 2023 as well as the racist remarks chanted against the Moroccan people. The FAF risks exclusion," said the Moroccan lawyer.
Mr. Elajouti emphasized the FIFA disciplinary code, referring to paragraph 2 of Article 52, which states that "any person or authority may bring to the attention of the judicial bodies of FIFA the conduct that he considers contrary to the regulations of FIFA.
The FIFA regulations also condemn "any political action in or near the stadium and by any means whatsoever". The highest soccer body also prohibits any action aimed at undermining the integrity or dignity of a country.
"Any discrimination of a country, an individual or a group of people for reasons of ethnic origin, geographical ... or any other reason is expressly prohibited, under penalty of suspension or exclusion, "says Article 22 of the Code of Ethics of FIFA.
