One of the biggest teams in Africa is now reportedly on the verge of some heavy sanctions from CAF after withdrawing from their crucial continental encounter on Sunday.
USM Alger were scheduled to take on Morocco's RS Berkane in the second leg of their two-legged CAF Confederation Cup semi-final on the weekend, but the Algerian side refused to take to the pitch.
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This has led to RSB qualifying for the final of the competition, where they will face Egyptian giants Zamalek next month in a tie that will take place over two legs.
It is understood that Alger travelled for the encounter but, on matchday, did not emerge to warm up or for the match itself, with it said that the Algerian Football Federation instructed the team to not take part in the match.
Their command reportedly came as a result of their opponents' jersey featuring a full map of Morocco, which is believed to have been problematic due to an ongoing territorial conflict between the two countries.
RSB had withdrawn from the first leg for much the same reason, after their kit was confiscated by Algerian authorities upon their arrival in the nation.
Consequently, Berkane were awarded a 3-0 victory for that first leg despite an appeal from USMA, which was dismissed by CAF.
According to Sports Village Square, the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 side is now at risk of suffering a fine of $50 000 (about R937 200) and a suspension from competing in the next two interclub competitions on the continent, as per African football's controlling body's regulations.
CAF's directive state: "A withdrawal declared by a team after having qualified for the quarter-final and semi-final matches entails, in addition to the loss of the right of entry, a fine of fifty thousand (50 000) US dollars.
"Any team withdrawing from the competition after the calendar has been established will be prohibited from participating in all CAF interclub competitions for the next two editions following the edition of its withdrawal."
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Any further sanction on USM Alger is expected to be announced in due course.
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