The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Jury overturned the four-match (two suspended) suspension and $5,000 fine imposed on Moroccan national coach Walid Regragui on Friday, January 26th. In a press release, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirmed the decision, stating it followed the review of their defense arguments. The initial sanction stemmed from a verbal altercation between Regragui and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) captain Chancel Mbemba after the Morocco vs. DRC match in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The FRMF appealed, highlighting that Regragui's actions didn't violate fair play principles. While Regragui's suspension and fine were overturned, both the FRMF and FECOFA (Congolese Football Federation) remain subject to $20,000 fines for their respective roles in the incident. Additionally, the FRMF faces a separate $10,000 fine for fan use of smoke bombs during the match, with $5,000 suspended.
