CAN 2025: Morocco plays big before the CAF Appeals Commission

The hearing will begin at 11 a.m. Moroccan time, under the chairmanship of Nigerian judge Roli Harriman. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has formally obtained the reopening of this sensitive case in order to be able to present additional evidence.

This approach aims to challenge an initial verdict that has raised many questions. The continental body had suspended the Senegalese coach for inciting his players to leave the pitch in stoppage time, without however firmly applying the regulations relating to the refusal to resume play.

On the Moroccan side, heavy penalties had been imposed, including suspensions for Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari. The federation had also been fined a total of $315,000 for offenses related to intrusion into the VAR area, the use of lasers and the behavior of ball boys.

At the same time, the commission will examine Al Ahly’s appeal in the Champions League. The Egyptian club is contesting its conviction to two matches behind closed doors and its fine, imposed after the violence and projectile throwing that targeted AS FAR players at half-time of their confrontation last February.