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Rabat – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said Monday it has opened disciplinary investigations into several incidents that took place during the quarter-final matches at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
CAF said in a statement it had reviewed match reports and video footage showing “potentially unacceptable behavior from some players and officials” during the knockout games between Morocco and Cameroon, as well as Algeria and Nigeria.
The continental governing body said it has referred the incidents to its Disciplinary Board, which will decide whether the people involved should face sanctions if found guilty of wrongdoing.
CAF said it “strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.”
Tensions After Algeria-Nigeria Match
Tensions boiled over following Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Algeria in Marrakech. After the final whistle, Algerian players and staff were seen confronting match officials on the field, and some followed referees toward the tunnel in protest. Videos of the confrontations circulated widely on social media.
Disorder also spilled into the stands, with some Algerian supporters attempting to enter the pitch area and flares thrown during the disorderly scenes. Some videos showed Algerian supporters tearing what appear to be Moroccan banknotes.
CAF also confirmed it is reviewing footage of a separate incident involving members of the media in the mixed zone, which is the area where journalists interview players and coaches after matches. Some reporters allegedly misbehaved, and the governing body said any improper conduct, whether on the pitch or in restricted zones, will be examined as part of its probe.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board will study the evidence and could issue penalties ranging from fines to suspensions for individuals found to have breached conduct rules. The governing body said it is committed to ensuring respect and professionalism at all Africa Cup of Nations matches.
