Barely a week after the conclusion of the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the African Soccer ruling body has continued to sanction countries and players for their unruly behavior during the competition.
This comes after the Confederation of African Football concluded its investigation into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, absolving Nigeria and Super Eagles players of any misconduct during the tournament where they reached the final, ultimately losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast.
In contrast, CAF’s Disciplinary Board imposed sanctions on AFCON winners Ivory Coast, as well as Senegal and Mali, following deliberations on various incidents during the competition.
Ivory Coast and Mali faced disciplinary action related to their knockout clash on February 3rd, with Mali’s Hamari Traore receiving a four-match suspension, two of which are suspended for a year, due to unsporting behavior towards match officials. Mali was also fined $10,000 for the misconduct.
In a statement released on CAF’s website, the federation said “The Fédération Malienne de Football was charged with misconduct following unsporting behavior of its players towards the match official.
“The Disciplinary Board found the player Hamari Traore guilty of unsporting conduct towards the match official. Traore was suspended for four matches two of which are suspended for a period of one year.
“The Fédération Malienne de Football was also fined 10,000 US Dollars.
“The Fédération Ivoirienne de Football was also charged with team’s misconduct. They were fined 5,000 US Dollars”
Senegal’s Krepin Diatta was penalized for bringing CAF into disrepute following comments made after their match against Ivory Coast on January 29, 2024. Diatta received a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended for one year, and a $10,000 fine. Senegal’s team misconduct also resulted in a $5,000 fine.
“Player Krepin Diatta was charged with bringing CAF into disrepute following comments made after the match between Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire played on 29 January 2024.
“The Disciplinary Board found the player Krepin Diatta guilty. Diatta was suspended for four (4) matches, two (2) of which were suspended for one year. He was also fined 10,000 US Dollars.
“The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was also charged with team’s misconduct and fined 5,000 US Dollars,” the statement furthered.
