Moroccan authorities have arrested Algerian influencer and YouTuber Raouf Belkacemi after he filmed himself urinating in the stands of Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Round of 16 match between Algeria and DR Congo on January 6, 2026.
The Incident
The 23-year-old content creator, who boasts over 1.1 million subscribers on YouTube and approximately 1 million followers on Instagram, recorded himself committing the act and posted the video on social media. In the footage, Belkacemi claimed that "match pressure caused him to urinate involuntarily," a justification that was widely mocked and rejected by Moroccan social media users who noted that the stadium has adequate restroom facilities.
Public Outrage
The video quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage among Moroccans who viewed the act as deliberate disrespect toward their country during a major international sporting event. Social media users called for severe punishment, including fines, lifetime stadium bans, and immediate deportation.
Arrest and Deportation
Security forces in Casablanca apprehended Belkacemi on the night of January 7-8, 2026, at a restaurant in the Anfa district. According to Moroccan media sources, he is currently awaiting deportation to Algeria.
Who is Raouf Belkacemi?
Born on December 7, 2002, in Harrach, Algiers, Raouf Belkacemi is a popular Algerian content creator known for his YouTube channel where he posts vlogs about his life and travels. His video "BABA" went viral with over 2.5 million views. He has also produced music and is sometimes referred to as "Trap King" on TikTok.
Context: Algeria-Morocco Tensions
The incident comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Algeria and Morocco, with the land border between the two countries remaining closed since 1994. Despite these political tensions, AFCON 2025 had been marked by moments of brotherhood between Algerian and Moroccan supporters, with many fans chanting "khawa khawa" (brothers brothers) in the streets.
This incident represents one of several controversies involving Algerian nationals at the tournament, following reports of an Algerian delegation covering a portrait of King Mohammed VI in their hotel, allegations of ball theft by team staff, and Algerian fans attempting to storm a stadium to gain free entry.
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