Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui faces a four-game suspension and a $5,000 fine from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The 48-year-old will miss his team’s Round of 16 match against South Africa on Tuesday unless the Moroccan football federation’s (RMFF) appeal is successful. Two of his ban’s matches have been suspended for a year. On Wednesday, Morocco’s final Group F match against Zambia at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals was missed.
The penalties stem from events that occurred following Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Coach Regragui did not transgress the principles of fair play, according to a statement from the RMFF, which characterized CAF’s ruling as inexplicable.
In the wake of the incidents, the CAF disciplinary board also penalized the RMFF and the football association of DR Congo $20,000 apiece, albeit it did not make its rulings known to the public.
In addition, the RMFF received an additional $10,000 fine—of which half is suspended—for Morocco supporters’ deployment of smoke bombs during the game.