An Algerian fan who travelled to Ivory Coast to support her team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been deported and banned from the country for life after posting a video in which she insulted the host nation.
Sofia Benlemmane was arrested on Monday at the stadium by the Rapid Intervention Brigade, a special police unit, following the viral video that showed her making derogatory remarks about Ivory Coast’s living conditions and comparing them unfavorably with Algeria.
In the video, which she uploaded on social media, Benlemmane said, “They live in misery here. I recorded a video yesterday at the bus station, and it’s the worst, like the prehistoric era. If I had some power, I would have brought Algerians here to witness this. What a difference with Algeria! Long live Algeria. I thank God for giving me a country like Algeria. Normally, Algeria is not supposed to be in Africa. It was supposed to be situated between Portugal and Spain.”
The video sparked outrage among Ivorians, who accused Benlemmane of being disrespectful, racist and ignorant. Many demanded that she be punished and expelled from the country.
According to Actu Foot, a sports news platform, Benlemmane was deported on Tuesday and barred from entering Ivory Coast again.
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She was also fined 500,000 CFA francs (about $850).
The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing AFCON, which aims to promote unity and solidarity among African nations. The tournament, which was postponed from its original June 2023 date due to bad weather conditions, kicked off on January 13 and will end on February 11.
Algeria are in Group D with Burkina Faso, Angola and Mauritania. They drew their opening match against Angola 1-1 on Monday and will face Burkina Faso on Saturday.