Algeria Accused of Stealing 2025 CAN Balls; Viral Video Sparks Reactions
A viral video has surfaced, leading to accusations against the Algerian national football team, claiming they attempted to steal official match balls during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) matchup against Equatorial Guinea. This incident occurred after Algeria secured a 3-1 victory, which confirmed their progression to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Accusations of Ball Theft
The controversy ignited following the match held on January 1, 2025, at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco. According to sources, the Algerian team’s staff allegedly took an official match ball, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to intervene after noticing a discrepancy in the number of balls.
Details Following the Incident
- The video, shared widely on TikTok, has amassed over 400,000 views.
- It claims that the incident was captured by surveillance cameras, suggesting the Algerian team’s involvement.
- Reports highlight that two balls were found missing after the match concluded.
Barlamane, a news outlet with around 30,000 Facebook followers, reported on the situation, fueling further speculation. It stated that the ball was reportedly taken by members of the Algerian staff at halftime.
Reactions and Next Steps
The Algerian staff has denied any wrongdoing when confronted by an official from CAF. However, subsequent video evidence led to the return of the elusive ball.
In light of this ongoing controversy, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is expected to clarify its stance ahead of their next match. Algeria, previous champions in 1990 and 2019, is set to face the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 6, 2025, where they will compete for a place in the quarter-finals.
As the story evolves, reactions within the football community continue to unfold, particularly concerning the integrity of the tournament and its participants.
