Khaberni - The controversy that followed the Algeria vs. Argentina match did not stop at sports, but extended in Algeria to a discussion about respecting the ethics of the journalism profession after the regulatory authority recorded "professional transgressions" on the "television channel platforms, reaching the point of 'accusation and defamation'."
The encounter between the Algerian and Argentine teams in the first round of the 2026 World Cup group stages sparked a lot of refereeing controversy, after two goals were not counted, and a potential "red card" against "the flea," Argentine captain Lionel Messi on his Algerian counterpart Issa Mandi, according to followers.
The debate continues in Algeria, after harsh criticisms were directed across various television platforms, web channels, and the print press towards the cubs of Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic, after the "criticisms exceeded the limits of professional duty" according to the Algerian Audiovisual Regulatory Authority.
The authority issued a statement revealing that "some interventions and comments deviated from the framework of objective sports analysis, sliding towards personalization and issuing judgments marked by accusation and defamation, which are not in line with the ethics of sports media practice."
The authority confirmed that "handling such issues should be done within a balanced professional framework, based on rigorous analysis and respect for individuals and institutions, away from emotional speeches or unfounded accusations."
Thus, the Audiovisual Regulatory Authority called on "all audiovisual channels to adhere to the rules of professionalism and responsibility, and respect the legal and ethical controls that regulate audiovisual work," and that it "will continue to monitor related media content, and will take appropriate legal and regulatory actions in case such violations are repeated."
In this regard, university professor in media and communication, Murad Issawi explained that: "Sports media in Algeria is the most impulsive, perhaps due to the nature of the sport which is based on competition and winning or losing, but a sports journalist should remain impartial, and only delve into sports media aspects that adhere to the ethics of the journalism profession."
The speaker added in his statement to "Al-Arabiya.net," saying: "In the case of the Algerian national team, it is natural for media professionals to support it over other teams, but their support should not disrespect the opponent, nor should the criticism extend to scolding the players, and sometimes reaching violations like defamation and accusations and even intrusion into their personal and family lives."
According to Issawi: "The intervention of the regulatory authority was appropriate, as it is a measure that can limit undue enthusiasm followed by defamation among some media professionals, especially since sports fans are greatly influenced by what is said in studios, whether by journalists or specialist sports analysts, and in cases where we aim non-sport-related accusations at players, it can put them in danger."
The professor concluded by calling to "leave out anything that can incite the sports fans, from phrases and terms offensive to the players or the coach or any body."
