Arab Cup U-17: Federation Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Aggression against Moroccan Players

The Royal Moroccan Federation of Football (FRMF) strongly condemned Algerian players’ “barbaric” aggression whose victims were the players of the Moroccan team, at the end of the final of the Arab Cup U-17, played Thursday evening in Algeria’s Oran. This condemnation came “following the anti-sporting acts and barbaric aggression of which were victims the players of the Moroccan selection of the under 17 years, at the end of the final of the Arab Cup which opposed them to their Algerian counterparts,” says a statement released by the FRMF.

In this respect, the Moroccan federation addressed a letter to the Arab Union of the discipline to “express its indignation following the barbaric and brutal acts of the Algerian players and the public which invaded the stadium’s pitch,” it further deplores. In its statement, the FRMF also expressed its “astonishment” at the total absence of security at this meeting, which was marked by a large presence of fans and which took place in a tense atmosphere before and during the match.

Therefore, the FRMF asked the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) to take firm measures, in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the practice of soccer. “The FRMF, which deeply regrets the lack of fair play during this final, will use all legal means to ensure the rights of the Atlas Lion Cubs and enshrine the principles of fair play that were completely absent during this match that pitted children under 17 years old,” concluded the statement.