Algiers – In a blatant echo of past disinformation campaigns, Moroccan media outlets, often referred to as ‘Makhzen mouthpieces,’ have launched a new wave of unsubstantiated allegations against Algeria. The latest claim centers around the Algerian national football team allegedly concealing or covering up an image of King Mohammed VI upon their arrival in Rabat for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
Pro-Makhzen media channels were quick to disseminate the accusation as fact, with commentators and analysts joining in to condemn the alleged actions of the Algerian delegation. However, a crucial question remains unanswered: Where is the evidence? Where is the clear video footage or verifiable photographs to support these claims?
As with previous instances, no concrete proof has been presented. The allegations are simply broadcast into the media sphere without any basis in reality or credibility. This pattern of behavior is consistent with the Makhzen’s history of fabricating and spreading falsehoods.
A Familiar Script of Deceit
This is not the first time the Moroccan regime has resorted to such tactics against Algeria. Just months ago, a similar scenario unfolded when the Algerian women’s national football team arrived in Morocco for their own Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The Makhzen media fabricated a story claiming that a member of the Algerian delegation had covered the logo of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation with tape.
This accusation rapidly spread across pro-Makhzen channels, quickly transforming into an accepted ‘truth’ without any verification. The coordinated media campaign aimed to tarnish the image of Algerians and portray them as disrespectful towards Moroccan symbols in the eyes of the African and international public.
However, the Makhzen’s disinformation efforts were dealt a significant blow when a representative from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) publicly refuted the claim, confirming that it was entirely false and without merit. Despite this official and documented denial, Moroccan media outlets have refused to retract their false claims, prioritizing the defamation of Algeria above the pursuit of truth. Now, this same scenario is being replayed with the men’s national team.
