Morocco coach, Walid Regragui has been suspended for four matches, two of these matches were suspended for one (1) year and given a fine of$5,000.
Following the ban, Regragui who watched from the stands as Morocco beat Zambia 1-0 in their final group game late Wednesday will miss Morocco’s last-16 game against South Africa on Tuesday (20:00 GMT) unless an appeal by the Morocco Football Federation (RMFF) is successful.
The sanctions relate to post-match incidents after Morocco’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Sunday. 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.
Regragui and Congo captain Chancel Mbemba had a heated exchange after their team’s match ended 1-1 in San Pedro on Sunday. It led to a melee between players and officials from both teams that continued as they went down the players’ tunnel.
TV replays showed Regragui seeking Mbemba after the game when the player was on his knees giving thanks in a personal moment. Mbemba took Regragui’s hand and clapped him on the back. But Regragui kept hold of Mbemba’s hand and carried on talking. He appeared to be saying, “Look at me.” The player angrily pulled his hand away and gestured for the video referee before players from both sides jumped in.
Mbemba’s Instagram account was subjected to a stream of racist abuse, while Regragui said he received death threats in the fallout.
CAF’s statement also said it fined the Moroccan federation an additional $10,000 “for the use of smoke bombs by its supporters during the match,” with half the amount suspended.
