The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has begun an investigation into political statements made by Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Zwelivelile Mandela, during the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.
The Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) sent a formal protest to CAF regarding the comments made at the ceremony, which was held at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
In his speech, Mr. Mandela stated, “The last colony of Africa, Western Sahara. Let us fight to free Western Sahara from oppression.” The FMRF claims that the statement had no connection to the tournament or football in general and was specifically targeted at Morocco.
The dispute over Western Sahara has been ongoing between Morocco and the Saharawi people, with Algeria supporting the Saharawi’s claim for independence.
The tension between Morocco and Algeria has now spilled over into the CHAN, with Morocco opting not to defend their title and Algeria refusing to allow the Moroccan team to fly directly from Rabat to Constantine on a Royal Air Maroc plane.
CAF will determine whether there was compliance with the rules set by both CAF and FIFA.
As well as his comments on Western Sahara, Mr Mandela led the crowd of 40,000 people in chants of “free Palestine”.
“These political statements are not the statements of Caf and do not reflect the views or opinions of Caf as a politically neutral organisation,” said African football’s governing body as it began its investigation.