AFCON 2021: CAF show Comoros no mercy after breach of Covid-19 protocols
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary board has found Comoros guilty of several misconducts in their round of 16 match against Cameroon, and fined a total amount of 17,000 USD.
The misconducts include breach of covid-19 protocols and gaining access to the dressing rooms by the use of force. Comoros goalkeeping coach was also accused of insulting CAF officials.
Chaker Alhadhur, Comoros left-back, wore a shirt number that is not his. He wears number 3, but put on number 16 shirt meant for their goalkeeper.
They later cropped the number “3” on the jersey after leaving the dressing room. That action caused two-minute delay to the kickoff, and they were heavily penalized for the delay.
According to the CAF disciplinary board media release on the 26th January 2022, the CAF disciplinary board has decided to penalized Comoros by:
Imposing 10,000 USD fine on Comoros Football Federation (CFF) for not complying with covid-19 protocols.
Imposing 5,000 USD fine on the CFF for not complying with the jersey numbers registered for the tournament.
Imposing 2,000 USD fine on the CFF for the 2 minutes delay of the match caused by their players.
Suspending Comoros goalkeeping coach, Jean-Daniel Noel Patrice Padovani for Comoros next three matches.
This decision has not been well received by African football supporters. Some supporters believe the decision is shocking and cruel to Comoros who is making their first appearance at the tournament.
Comoros historic AFCON outing came to an end after losing to Cameroon 1-2, in the round of 16. The head coach and some players were unavailable for the match after testing positive to covid-19.
Even their left-back have to be between the sticks for the debutants.
Though, Comoros lost the game, they won the hearts of football fans all over the world especially after their covid-19 crisis. The last thing they wish for the small Islanders is the punishment levied on them by CAF. CAF should have tempered mercy with justice.
