Abderrahim Achchakir is challenging the one-year suspension imposed on him by FIFA for assaulting a referee. The Moroccan player has lodged an appeal with the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport), and the court has confirmed that it will deliver a verdict on the case on November 5.
The incident took place in March, during a qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup in Tanzania, where Achchakir, after being sent off, physically confronted Angolan referee Helder Martins de Carvalho. FIFA cited unsportsmanlike conduct as the basis for the imposed suspension. Achchakir, however, maintains that the punishment is unjust, stating last May, “I did nothing to deserve this sanction. By the grace of God, it will be overturned on appeal.”
In addition to the suspension, Achchakir was fined $11,000 and will be ineligible to play football until May 13, 2014. Consequently, he will miss the African Cup debut of his club, FAR Rabat.
