DR Congo's Challenge Against CAF's Decision to Lift Regragui's Ban at AFCON

Tuesday 30 January 2024 - 14:10

DR Congo’s Football Federation has declared its intent to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) contentious decision to overturn the four-match suspension imposed on Moroccan coach Walid Regragui. This announcement comes in response to the unexpected move by CAF, just two days after the initial ban, which has stirred discontent among DR Congo officials, deeming the reversal "totally unjustified."

Originally, Regragui faced the suspension following a post-match altercation with DR Congo's captain, Chancel Mbemba, during the Africa Cup of Nations tournament last week. Expressing dissatisfaction with CAF's decision, the Congolese federation issued a statement asserting its belief in the impropriety of CAF's ruling and insisting that Regragui should remain suspended. The federation plans to proceed with its appeal to CAS as soon as it receives CAF's detailed explanation for lifting the ban.

Regragui's suspension arose from an on-field altercation with Mbemba after Morocco's 2-0 victory over DR Congo in the AFCON quarterfinals. CAF had initially imposed a four-match ban, with two matches suspended, citing Regragui's involvement in the skirmish. However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation challenged the ban, contending that Regragui had not violated fair play standards. Succumbing to the pressure, CAF swiftly revoked the suspension just 48 hours later.

The reversal by CAF has been strongly criticized by DR Congo, characterizing it as unjustifiable. The federation is now poised to reignite the dispute by formally appealing to CAS. This legal challenge has the potential to cast a shadow over the remaining matches of AFCON and intensify scrutiny on CAF's disciplinary procedures.