The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed ruling on the Moroccan Football Federation’s appeal over sanctions handed down following the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The highly charged final saw Senegalese players withdraw briefly from the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco’s Atlas Lions, before eventually returning to complete the match.
According to the Moroccan newspaper Al-Mountakhab, CAF’s Appeals Committee will now delay its decision until the African Union Executive Committee meets next Friday. Reports indicate deep divisions among members over the sanctions imposed on Morocco.
Al Ayam 24 reports that CAF remains split on how to handle Morocco’s appeal. Some officials argue that the case should be closed without altering the penalties, while others suggest harsher measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
CAF had previously sanctioned Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw with a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine, while players Elman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans. The Senegalese Football Federation was also fined $615,000.
For Morocco, national team star Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one suspended for a year, while Ismail Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine. The Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000.
The appeals process now hangs in the balance as CAF and the African Union weigh how to resolve the controversy.
