Morocco’s national coach, Walid Regragui, has been exonerated by the Appeal Commission of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), just 48 hours after receiving a four-match suspension, two of which were firm, for a post-match altercation with Chancel Mbemba during the AFCON 2023 clash against DR Congo.
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) communicated this uplifting news through an official press release.
It stated, “The Appeal Commission of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) canceled the sanction that the Disciplinary Commission had previously imposed on the national coach, Mr. Walid Regragui, including the financial fine ($5,000), after hearing the arguments of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.”
Following this decision, the only penalty retained against Regragui is a one-match suspension, served during the recent encounter against Zambia, where his assistant, Rachid Benmahmoud, took charge on the sidelines.
Notably, Hakim Ziyech’s goal in that match was warmly dedicated to the absent coach.
This development allows Regragui to resume his coaching duties, and he is expected to return to the bench for the crucial round of 16 match against South Africa on Tuesday.
The timely reversal of sanctions brings relief to the Moroccan team and supporters, ensuring the presence of their head coach in the upcoming decisive stages of the tournament.
The incident between Regragui and Mbemba had cast a shadow over Morocco’s campaign in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, but with the CAF’s recent decision, the focus can now shift back to the on-field action as the Atlas Lions gear up for a challenging encounter against South Africa in the knockout stage.
