“CAF” rejects Morocco’s protest and confirms the coronation of Senegal – Algerian newspaper Al-Hiwar

Yesterday, the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a set of sanctions against the backdrop of the events that accompanied the final of the African Cup of Nations, which brought together the national teams of Morocco and Senegal on January 18th.

Regarding the Senegalese national team, the committee decided to suspend coach Pape Thiaw for a full period of five matches, and impose a fine of $100,000. Players Elimane Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also suspended for two matches, and the Senegalese Football Association was fined $615,000.

As for the Moroccan side, the Disciplinary Committee approved the suspension of player Achraf Hakimi for two matches, one of which was suspended, while Ismail Sibari was punished with a suspension for three matches and a fine amounting to 100 thousand dollars. A fine of $300,000 was also imposed on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, in addition to another $200,000 due to the behavior of the ball catchers during the match.

In the same context, the Disciplinary Committee announced its official rejection of the appeal submitted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, confirming the validity of the decisions issued against it.

The match witnessed events that sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about the credibility of CAF, especially because of the controversial refereeing decisions, as the Senegalese team was deprived of a goal that was considered legitimate, before a penalty kick was awarded to the Moroccan team, which prompted the “Lions of Teranga” coach to ask his players to leave the field.

The confrontation also witnessed great tension in front of Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, after attempts by players and ball catchers to seize the goalkeeper’s towel, in a scene that spread globally and turned into a negative image associated with the Moroccan side.