The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a 10,000‑euro fine on Burkina Faso winger Bertrand Traore after his controversial remarks about the referee of his team’s match against Algeria, which ended in a 1-0 win for the Desert Warriors.
Traore had claimed the referee “ruined the end of the match,” comments that sparked wide debate after the game.
CAF’s disciplinary committee settled for a financial penalty only, without issuing any sporting suspension, after the player apologized during a hearing. The committee considered that, despite the sharp tone of his criticism, his behavior did not merit a ban.
By contrast, the committee took a tougher stance against Equatorial Guinea players Jose Miranda and Carlos Akapo.
Both were suspended for four games, with two matches of the ban suspended, following their insults toward Congolese referee Messi Nkono during their side’s 1-0 defeat to Sudan at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
These decisions highlight CAF’s determination to protect referees and clamp down on verbal abuse during the tournament.
The round of 16 will kick off on Saturday, Senegal will play Sudan, and Mali will take on Tunisia.
