Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-29 12:56:34
The suspension of Walid Regragui has been lifted, allowing the Morocco coach to return for the team’s Africa Cup of Nations last 16 game against South Africa on Tuesday. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that it had partially upheld the appeal filed by the Moroccan federation against Regragui’s four-game ban, with two games suspended. This decision comes after Regragui’s involvement in heated scenes at the end of Morocco’s match against Congo the previous week.
In addition to lifting the suspension, CAF also set aside the $5,000 fine imposed on Regragui. The fines of $20,000 on the soccer federations of Morocco and Congo were confirmed, along with a $10,000 fine on the Moroccan federation for the use of smoke bombs by its supporters during the match, with half the amount suspended. The Moroccan federation argued that the ban on Regragui was unjust, stating that the coach did not commit any behavior that violates the spirit of sportsmanship.
Regragui missed Morocco’s final group game, which resulted in a 1-0 victory over Zambia. The incident that led to Regragui’s suspension occurred when Regragui and Congo captain Chancel Mbemba had a heated exchange after their teams’ match ended in a 1-1 draw on January 21. This led to a melee between players and officials from both teams, continuing as they entered the players’ tunnel.
Mbemba implied to journalists that Regragui insulted him, but the Morocco coach denied making any racist comments. Following the incident, Mbemba’s Instagram account was subjected to racist abuse, while Regragui received death threats in the fallout.
With his suspension lifted, Regragui will be able to lead the Morocco national team in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations match against South Africa. The decision by CAF to partially uphold the appeal provides a resolution to the controversy surrounding Regragui’s suspension, allowing him to resume his coaching duties.
