The Brazilian football club "Coritiba" has apologized to Algerians for posting a map of the country that was missing several areas, in the context of announcing the signing of veteran Algerian striker Islam Slimani. The "incomplete map" sparked outrage among a large segment of the Algerian public, prompting Coritiba to issue an apology, confirming that the incident was an unintentional mistake.
The official account of the Brazilian club posted on the social media platform "X": "We sincerely apologize for the error regarding the publication of an incomplete map of Algeria on our official platforms." Coritiba added in its statement, "We affirm our deep respect for the country of Algeria, its people, and its history.. We sincerely apologize to them," and attached a complete map of Algeria featuring the Brazilian club's colors and flag.
The joy surrounding Slimani's transfer to play in Brazil last Sunday, a first in Algerian football history, was overshadowed by the posting of this map, which excluded several Algerian regions. The incomplete map remained on Coritiba's Facebook page for less than half an hour before being removed after Algerians flooded the comments with expressions of their discontent and calls for rectifying the mistake.
Coritiba represents the first club outside Algeria and Europe in Slimani's career. He has had a distinguished professional journey, having previously played for major European clubs, including Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Leicester City and Newcastle United in England, Monaco in France, and Anderlecht in Belgium. Slimani is the leading scorer in the history of the Algerian national team, with 41 goals, and was part of the "Greens" squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.
