OFFICIAL: AFCON giants issue statement on player 'ban'

A 2023 Africa Cup of Nations side has issued a statement on reports that one of their players had been hit with a ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his "corrupt" claims. 

Following reports suggesting that attacker Krepin Diatta had been suspended and fined by CAF, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed that they have received no communication to that effect.

Read: Moroccan ref speaks after refusing Bafana vs DR Congo duty 

This comes after the Lions of Teranga had suffered a defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in a round of 16 tie following a penalty shootout.

During regulation time of that match, Senegal were denied a penalty by the referee, who decided not to utilise VAR to review the incident.

This enraged Diatta, sparking an emotional outburst from him after the match. 

"You've killed us, you're corrupt! Keep your African Cup. I'm sorry, but it's ridiculous. I'm really sorry, but they've killed our competition there," the Monaco winger said at the time, per Africa Top Sports. 

Reports in recent hours had suggested that Diatta been banned for four matches and fined an estimated $16 300 (about R310 3oo) after his post-match comments.  

The FSF, however, has attempted to clear the air on the matter, revealing that Diatta was the subject of an investigation conducted by CAF, and adding that the player had been recorded unknowingly and while not in an official or professional setting. 

The organisation went on to state that the forward faced a disciplinary panel earlier this month, and confirmed that it was not aware of any decision made by CAF as nothing had been communicated officially.  

"Assisted by the FSF Legal Department, the player first responded in writing to CAF's request for explanations on the exchanges he had with the person in question (as relayed by the French press) and who was not among the media officers designated for this competition site nor this Yamoussoukro match," the statement from the FSF reads.

"The player was subsequently the subject of a hearing by the disciplinary panel on Monday February 5, 2024 and refuted the allegations made against him over CAF corruption charges.

"Since then, neither Krepin Diatta nor the FSF have received official notification of any decision regarding this matter and are not aware of any publication by the CAF of a decision on this matter by any means whatsoever. 

"Ultimately, the FSF informs the public that it is following the case in strict compliance with CAF disciplinary rules and in close collaboration with its player who has never had to experience in his career any behavioural deviations subject to sanctions. 

"It will advise of any action to be taken once a decision has been taken by the competent CAF authorities."

Read: 'Mosimane deliberately belittled Al Ahly players' 

KickOff reached out to CAF's head of TV and communications Luxolo September, who confirmed that the confederation has not issued any official communication on the matter.

"There has been no announcement from CAF on this matter," he said. 

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.