Following constructive discussions between Adidas and Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication regarding the attribute of Moroccan tiles’ Zellij’ to Algeria, Adidas announced on Friday morning that a friendly legal settlement had been reached following the adoption of the “Zellige” mosaic in the design of the Algerian national team’s soccer shirts.
The company confirmed that the design was inspired by the mosaic pattern and that it had no intention of offending anyone.
In a statement, the company recalled its sincere respect for the Moroccan people and traditional industry, regretted the controversy over the issue, and stated its opposition to any action aimed at cultural appropriation or jeopardizing peoples’ and nations’ historical heritage.
For his part, Mourad Ajouti, the lawyer representing the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, affirmed in a statement obtained by Barlaman Today that “this issue has demonstrated to us the importance of protecting Morocco’s cultural legacy, which attests to the greatness of a striking civilization in the depth of history.”
Mourad Ajouti continued in his statement that this case has demonstrated Morocco’s pivotal role in the region as a leading country in defending human cultural heritage against attempts of cultural appropriation and acquisition.