Rédaction Africa Links 24 with sabcnews.com
Published on 2024-01-28 13:05:58
Morocco coach Walid Regragui’s suspension at the Africa Cup of Nations has been dismissed following an appeal by his country’s football federation. Regragui had initially been given a four-match ban, with two games suspended, as well as a fine for his actions that brought the competition into disrepute. However, the appeal has resulted in the decision being overturned, allowing Regragui to return to the bench for the last-16 clash against South Africa on Tuesday.
The controversy began when Regragui was involved in an on-field altercation with Democratic Republic of Congo captain Chancel Mbemba at the end of their Group F match in San Pedro. This incident led to scuffles between opposing players and staff on the pitch, as well as alleged fighting in the tunnel at the stadium out of public view.
Regragui explained that he had attempted to shake Mbemba’s hand after the match, but held on to it as he tried to speak with the defender. Mbemba repeatedly tried to pull away before breaking loose, causing chaos at the end of the 1-1 draw. Regragui claimed that Mbemba had insulted him and his assistant on the sidelines before the end of the match, and he tried to confront him about it during the handshake.
The decision to suspend Regragui was denounced by Morocco’s football federation, leading to the appeal that eventually allowed him to return to the bench for the last-16 clash. The suspension forced Regragui to watch his country’s last group game against Zambia from the stands, while his assistant Rachid Ben Mahmoud replaced him on the touchline. However, with the suspension dismissed, Regragui is now able to lead his team from the sidelines in the upcoming match against South Africa.
