AFCON 2023: CAF Slams 4-Match Ban On Morocco Coach, Walid Regragui

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Morocco coach, Walid Regragui, for four games and fined him $5,000

Two matches of his ban have been suspended for a year, but the 48-year old missed Morocco’s final Group F game against Zambia at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals on Wednesday and will also miss his team Round of 16 tie against South Africa on Tuesday unless an appeal by the Moroccan football federation (RMFF) is successful.

The sanctions relate to post-match incidents after Morocco’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Sunday.

In a statement, the RMFF described CAF’s decision as incomprehensible, saying Coach Regragui did not violate the values of fair play.

The match between Morocco and DR Congo at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro was a tense affair, as scuffles broke out between both sets of players following the full-time whistle.

The CAF disciplinary board also fined DR Congo’s football association and the RMFF $20,000 each following the incidents, but did not publicly explain its decisions.

The RMFF was also handed an additional $10,000 fine for the use of smoke bombs by Morocco supporters during the match, although half of the amount is suspended.