Moroccan ultras unveiled a banner with a strong message for Nelson Mandela's grandson, Zwelivelile Mandela, after his comments at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) opening ceremony last week.
Official: Morocco Will Not Defend African Nations Championship Title
This week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced it had launched an investigation into Zwelivelile Mandela's remarks made at the CHAN opening ceremony in Algeria.
In his speech, Mandela referred to Western Sahara, which is currently occupied by Morocco, as the "last colony in Africa", before urging people to "free Western Sahara from oppression".
The comments did not go down well with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, who submitted a formal complaint to CAF.
Africa's football body has since revealed they will be looking into the matter.
"The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is under an obligation and a duty, in accordance with its Regulations and Statutes and those of FIFA not to participate or get involved in politics and to be neutral on matters of a political nature," a statement from CAF read.
"CAF has been informed that certain political statements were made during the opening ceremony of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship ('CHAN') Algeria 2022 on Friday 13 January 2023 in Algiers.
"These political statements are not the statements of CAF and do not reflect the views or opinions of CAF as a politically neutral organisation.
"CAF will investigate and look into the political statements and events at the opening ceremony of the TotalEnergies CHAN Algeria 2022 and assess whether there was compliance with the CAF and FIFA Regulations and Statutes. CAF will give an update in this regard in due course."
On Tuesday, however, a section of Raja Casablanca ultras unveiled a banner at the Mohammed V Stadium during the home team's match against MC Oujda that read: "Little Mandela, the last colony in Africa is Orania."
??? ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ???? ???????: "??????? ??????? ??? ??????? ?? ??????? ?? ???????" pic.twitter.com/7VD42kvQLn
— Le360 Sport (@Le360sport) January 17, 2023
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