CAF fines TFF Sh25m following Amrouche’s comments
What you need to know:
- Amrouche, an Algerian national, targeted FRMF in a televised interview, alleging they hold undue power and influence in African football. He alleged Moroccan officials within CAF decide who referees matches involving the senior men’s national team and at what time they kick off.
Dar es Salaam. The African football governing body (CAF) has fined the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) $10,000 (Sh25 million) following moments made by the suspended national football team (Taifa Stars) head coach, Adel Amrouche, against the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Amrouche ignited controversy by making serious accusations against Morocco’s football federation and claiming manipulation in African football.
Amrouche, an Algerian national, targeted FRMF in a televised interview, alleging they hold undue power and influence in African football. He alleged Moroccan officials within CAF decide who referees matches involving the senior men’s national team and at what time they kick off.
He said due to the influence, Morocco “forced” Tanzania to play their recent match in the evening, despite Tanzania’s preference for an afternoon kickoff.
However, TFF distanced itself from Amrouche’s statement, in which body president Wallace Karia said they would take disciplinary action against him.
Karia explained that it is not true that Morocco decides on matters related to matches, but it is CAF that does so, clarifying that there are procedures to follow in order to reschedule competition matches according to the CAF guidelines, and it does not favour any country as Amrouche claimed.
According to Kaia, TFF submitted its proposal, but due to television broadcasting rights, the timing was adjusted.
Karia further said that even in Tanzania, some matches are rescheduled based on the recommendations of Azam TV, which has invested in the league for broadcasting rights.
He also highlighted the strong sports relationship existing between TFF and Morocco, explaining that some national teams in Tanzania choose to train there because of the close ties existing between the two football federations.
Despite TFF’s statement against Amrouche, CAF stretched the punishment after imposing a $10,000 (Sh25 million) fine, according to the body’s disciplinary committee statement.
Amrouche was appointed to take on the Taifa Stars task in March last year.
