Morocco Coach Regragui Cleared to Return for South Africa Match After CAF Reduces Ban

Walid Regragui will be present on the bench during the round of 16 match against South Africa, scheduled for next Tuesday. CAF has authorized this presence after deciding to reduce the sanction imposed on the Moroccan technician. The initial sanction of four matches, including two suspended, accompanied by a fine of $5,000, has been reduced to two matches, including one suspended.

"We have learned that the appeal was urgent and that the sanction will be reduced to one match, as the Moroccan and Congolese football federations have agreed to calm the situation," reports the sports newspaper Al Mountakhab, adding that the Leopards captain, Chancel Mbemba, did not make any racist accusations against Regragui before the CAF disciplinary commission, despite contradictory information.

This CAF decision follows the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) following the sanction that the governing body of African football had imposed on the coach of the Atlas Lions after an investigation into the incidents that occurred at the end of the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The FRMF chaired by Fouzi Lekjaâ described this sanction as "unjust." It also stated that Regragui had not behaved in a manner contrary to the sporting spirit.