While AFCON 2023 is only in the second-day stage, the CAF has taken strong action against an Algerian who has negatively distinguished himself. Adel Amrouche, the coach of Tanzania who made serious accusations against Morocco, has not been spared by the CAF disciplinary committee, receiving a very severe punishment coupled with the dismissal of the Tanzanian Football Federation.
There are quite wild stories in this 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Côte d’Ivoire. While some teams, the best ones, will have competitions until February, specifically until the 11th, the date of the AFCON 2023 final, some are already packing their bags. Even though it’s only the second day of the group stage, some countries are negatively standing out off the pitch. This is the case for Algeria, which continues to make headlines with its citizens. After the expulsion of a supporter of the Fennecs for inappropriate remarks about the Ivorians, the Algerian coach, Adel Amrouche, who leads Tanzania, has been dismissed by the CAF.
Amrouche’s controversial statements
Indeed, while the Tanzanian team is focused on AFCON 2023, where things are quite challenging after a heavy defeat against Morocco on the first day, Adel Amrouche will no longer be able to lead the team. The reason? His own words caused serious damage before the match against the Lions of the Atlas. The 55-year-old Algerian coach, who has been leading the Taifas Stars Kilimanjaro since last year, stood out on a television channel by stating that Morocco controls everything at CAF, even the referees.
“The Moroccan Football Federation is a proven power in the world of African football. In fact, during the last match against Morocco (last November, editor’s note), they forced us to play in the evening when we wanted to play in the early afternoon. Currently, it is Morocco that manages African football. They also choose their referees, and we remain mere spectators,” the coach stated in an interview. These remarks, which made headlines in the media, reached the ears of Moroccans, who filed a complaint with the CAF, which did not delay in responding.
This Friday, the disciplinary committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) pronounced a heavy penalty of 8 matches and a fine of $10,000 against Adel Amrouche. The Algerian coach, who tried to defuse the bomb dropped before his team’s match against Morocco, did not receive any mitigating circumstances, bringing an end to his AFCON 2023.
Amrouche dismissed by Tanzania
Following the CAF’s verdict, Tanzania will simply dismiss the former coach of MC Alger and teams like Yemen and Botswana. Apparently not in good standing with Morocco, the Algerian coach is ironically replaced for the rest of AFCON 2023 by a certain Hemed Morocco, who will lead the Tanzanian team this Sunday against Zambia.
“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended the coach of the national team (Taifa Stars) for eight matches, Adel Amrouche. The sanction was pronounced yesterday by the CAF Disciplinary Committee after a complaint filed by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) against Coach Amrouche. (…) In another move, the Executive Committee of the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) suspended Coach Adel Amrouche. Following this decision, Hemed Morocco has been appointed interim coach, and he will be assisted by Juma Mgunda,” reads the statement fully relayed by Foot Mercato.
A terrible end to the African Cup for the Algerian, who will soon think twice before making controversial statements. Tanzania, which is struggling in the competition, is also well on its way to returning home next week. The challenge is high in Group F, which it shares with Morocco, the DRC, and Zambia.
Leave a Reply