AFCON: Tanzania coach banned for 8 matches for ‘insulting’ Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Adel Amrouche, the coach of the Tanzania national team, for eight matches for making “insulting remarks” about Morocco.

In an interview on Algerian television — ahead of last Wednesday’s encounter which Morocco defeated Tanzania 3-0 — Amrouche had made several allegations against the North African country.

Amrouche argued that Morocco held too much influence in the corridors of power in African football.

He also alleged that Morocco held the power to determine the appointment of referees.

“The Morocco federation is a proven power in the world of African football. Morocco manages African football. They also choose their referees and we remain simple spectators,” Amrouche claimed.

He also directed his anger at the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for allegedly influencing pre-tournament plans in the same interview.

“I had scheduled a preparation camp in Algeria. I even scheduled friendly matches against Mauritania, Cape Verde and Anderlecht,” he said.

“But there was influence placed on officials to relocate our place of preparation. So we were forced to prepare in Cairo.”

But according to ESPN, the TFF said CAF’s disciplinary committee had suspended Amrouche following a complaint submitted by Morocco.

Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement, Clifford Mario Ndimbo, the TFF spokesperson, said an acting coach has also been appointed.

“In another step, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has suspended coach Amrouche. As a result of that decision, Hemed has been appointed acting coach and he will be assisted by Juma Mgunda,” Ndimbo was quoted to have said.

Tanzania will face Zambia in their second group F match on Sunday.