"Curva Chi": "We Confirm Our Inability to Support AS FAR in Algeria Due to Visa Refusal"
The "Curva Chi" fan groups, supporters of AS FAR, issued a statement announcing their inability to travel to Algeria to support the team in their match against JS Kabylie. The reason cited was the refusal to grant visas to their members for the CAF Champions League group stage fixture.
The statement from "Ultras Askary" and "Black Army" read: "Before the military squad departed for Algeria, the Curva Chi groups visited the players to deliver a motivational speech and convey the fans' expectations ahead of their return to continental and local competitions."
The statement continued: "In the same context, and amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding travel to Algeria, we confirm our inability to attend and support the team due to the refusal to grant us visas. This is despite our efforts to follow all legal procedures to obtain entry into Algerian territory well in advance. However, we were met with procrastination and a lack of response; indeed, the situation escalated to having the door shut in our faces, without clear justifications or alternative solutions. It is as if a visa application to attend a football match has been transformed into a security matter or a potential threat. This treatment is incomprehensible and unacceptable, especially given that we submitted no request outside the legal framework and simply held the status of football fans."
The fan groups further stated: "We demand that the club management and the Moroccan Football Federation intervene with CAF to protect the team and shield it from recurring refereeing injustices. The last match against the same team witnessed a major refereeing scandal, involving the annulment of a clear goal by the Cape Verdean referee, who it later emerged had demanded a bribe from officials – a story known to all. This is in addition to the refereeing injustice that recently deprived the team of deserved points in matches against Al Ahly and Young Africans."
They concluded: "We do not forget to remind everyone, who have now tasted from the same cup, that what you have suffered during this African Cup for a month is the same as what AS FAR and its fans are subjected to locally throughout the year: media hostility, and great injustice and unfairness that has reached the extent of titles being stolen from us in front of everyone's eyes."
"Finally, we urge the players to show a fighting spirit and return with a positive result that enables us to continue in the competition and honor the jersey."
