The Confederation of African Football, CAF has resealed why it banned the coach of Morocco, Walid Regragui for two games at the ongoing 2023 AFCON presently holding in Cote D’Ivoire.
Regragui served one of the ban in Morocco’s last group game against the Chipolopolo of Zambia but his boys won 1-0.
Regragui sat in the stands for the duration of the entire game, whilst his assistant took charge from the bench.
According to CAF, the altercation between the captain of Democratic Republic of Congo Chancel Mbemba during the last group F encounter between both sides led to his suspension.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) revealed Regragui’s ban in a statement published on Wednesday, while confirming they intended to appeal.
The statement said the FRMF had “decided to appeal this incomprehensible decision due to the fact that Regragui did not at any point contravene the spirit of fair play”.
However, Regragui’s ban was effective for Wednesday’s final Cup of Nations group game against Zambia, with assistant coach Rachid Benmahmoud taking his place on the bench.
The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists were already assured of a place in the next round before facing Zambia.
The incident between Regragui and Mbemba came as players and staff from both sides brawled at the end of the 1-1 draw between Morocco and DR Congo in San-Pedro on Sunday,
Regragui entered the pitch and appeared to have strong words with Marseille defender Mbemba, while also attempting to shake the player’s hand.
The two men then had to be separated by several people.