In a swift move, FRMF urgently appealed against what they deemed an “unjust” decision by CAF regarding Regragui. This happened just hours before the Morocco vs Zambia game yesterday.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) reportedly slashed Walid Regragui’s four-match suspension to just one game.
According to sports-focused website Al Mountakhab, this reduction followed an urgent appeal from Fouzi Lekjaa, President of Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF).
The appeal’s urgency led to the penalty’s reduction to a single match, as both the Moroccan and Congolese football federations agreed to ease tensions, as reported by Al Mountakhab.
Contrary to initial reports, DR Congo player Chancel Mbemba didn’t make any racial allegations against Regragui before CAF’s disciplinary committee.
Moroccans were stunned on Wednesday to discover CAF’s decision, which not only included a four-match suspension but also a two-match ban. Additionally, CAF imposed fines of $20,000 against FRMF and $5,000 against Regragui.
FRMF faces an additional $10,000 fine for alleged smoke bomb use by Moroccan fans during the heated exchange, with CAF announcing a $5,000 reduction.
CAF’s decision followed an altercation with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba after Morocco’s previous game on Sunday. FRMF denounced the decision as “unjust,” emphasizing that Regragui exhibited no behavior contrary to sportsmanship.
