CAF has officially penalised two 2023 Africa Cup of Nations teams following a heated bust-up, with a four-month ban among the various punishments meted out.
The group stage were wrapped up on Wednesday night, with 16 teams making it to the knockout round after a thrilling week of fixtures.
The tournament has certainly lived up to the hype, with continental giants such Ghana, Algeria and Tunisia having been dumped out of the showpiece by relative minnows, while the likes of Namibia and Mauritania have made history by qualifying for the round of 16 for the first time in their history.
In the midst of all the action, more drama unfolded recently when a bust-up between Morocco and DR Congo ensued after the two sides met on Sunday.
The conflict reportedly started after the match, when Morocco coach Walid Regragui approached DRC captain Chancel Mbemba, who had already received a yellow card for arguing with the referee.
It appears that Mbemba was not pleased with what the Atlas Lions head coach said as he made signs for the video assistant referee to get involved, eventually leading to players from both teams to rush to the field. Officials struggled to control the situation as pushing and shoving ensued between the two benches.
CAF has since confirmed that the two nations have been fined for their role in the fracas, in addition to suspending Regragui.
CAF Disciplinary Outcome on the incidents involving Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football and Fédération Congolaise de Football Associationhttps://t.co/dQggImU1zY
— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) January 24, 2024
CAF's statement on the matter read: "The CAF Disciplinary Board found the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association and coach Mr. Walid Regragui guilty on separate charges and ruled as follows:
"1. Imposed a fine of USD 20 000 (about R377 000) on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football
"2. Imposed a fine of USD 20 000 (about R377 000) on the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association
"3. Suspended Mr. Walid Regragui for four (4) matches. Two of these matches are suspended for a period of one (1) year
"4. Imposed a fine of USD 5 000 (about R94 500) on Mr Walid Regragui
"5. Imposed a fine of USD 10 000 (about R189 000) on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football for the use of smoke bombs by its supporters during the match. USD 5 000 (about R94 500) of this amount is suspended.
"The decisions will become enforceable upon the expiry of the time limit for appeal in accordance with the CAF Disciplinary Code."
Regragui is thus expected to miss Morocco's round of 16 game against Bafana Bafana next Tuesday unless the Royal Moroccan Football Federation's appeal is successful, according to The Athletic.
DR Congo, meanwhile, are set to do battle against Egypt in the next round, with that game taking place on Sunday.
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