Morocco coach Walid Regragui slapped with two-match ban

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has been handed a two-match by the Confederation of African Football following a post-match altercation with Democratic Republic of Congo captain Chancel Mbemba at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Walid Regragui

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) revealed Regragui’s ban in a statement published on Wednesday, while confirming they intended to appeal.

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The statement said the FRMF had “decided to appeal this incomprehensible decision due to the fact that Regragui did not at any point contravene the spirit of fair play”.

However, Regragui’s ban was effective for Wednesday’s final Cup of Nations group game against Zambia, with assistant coach Rachid Benmahmoud taking his place on the bench.

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World Cup semi-finalists

The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists were already assured of a place in the next round before facing Zambia.

The incident between Regragui and Mbemba came as players and staff from both sides brawled at the end of the 1-1 draw between Morocco and DR Congo in San-Pedro on Sunday,

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Regragui entered the pitch and appeared to have strong words with Marseille defender Mbemba, while also attempting to shake the player’s hand.

The two men then had to be separated by several people.

© Agence France-Presse