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Congolese Federation Appeals CAF Decision to Overturn Sanctions Against Morocco's Regragui

Congolese Federation Appeals CAF Decision to Overturn Sanctions Against Morocco's Regragui
Tuesday 30 January 2024 - 09:40
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The ongoing saga between the football federations of Morocco and DR Congo unfolds as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reverses its decision to uphold sanctions against Moroccan coach Walid Regragui.

In a recent turn of events, CAF's Disciplinary Committee had imposed fines on both federations and suspended Regragui for four matches, including two effective matches, following a tumultuous brawl between the teams. However, the Appeals Committee, upon review, overturned the sanctions, granting Regragui the ability to lead Morocco against South Africa in an upcoming match.

The Congolese federation vehemently opposes this decision and has declared its intention to challenge CAF's ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"We will pursue this relentlessly," asserted a spokesperson for the Congolese federation. "The initial sanctions were warranted. This is an injustice."

The dispute originates from a heated World Cup qualifier between Morocco and DR Congo on March 29th, concluding in a 1-1 draw. Post-match, a significant altercation unfolded, featuring a full-blown brawl with punches thrown and both benches clearing.

In response to the violence, CAF took a strong stance, initially penalizing both federations. However, the recent reversal of sanctions by the Appeals Committee has injected further controversy into the situation.

Regragui, absent during Morocco's match against Zambia due to the suspension, will resume his coaching duties against South Africa. Nevertheless, with the Congolese federation seeking to reinstate the suspension through CAS, the coach's long-term status remains uncertain.

The legal proceedings are expected to prolong, maintaining heightened tensions as Morocco and DR Congo navigate their path towards the World Cup in Qatar. The possibility of their teams clashing again on the field looms large, with unresolved resentments poised to resurface.


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