#caf-suspension

#caf-suspension

"I'd definitely consider it as the biggest game in my football career," Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe told Sportsworld on BBC World Service, while former captain Gabriel Zakuani labelled it "the biggest game in our history."

DR Congo's last World Cup qualifier was played in Morocco back in November, and they have been one game away from the World Cup ever since. They meet Jamaica in Mexico in the final of their path of the inter-confederation play-offs for World Cup 2026.

As a person who was on the appeals board for six years I know that it does not have the power to change the on-field decision of a referee. I cannot understand how they came to this disgraceful decision. It has also left members of the Caf executive committee furious, knowing that point 5.2 of the laws of the game makes it clear that the decisions of a referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.

We will contact our lawyers and file an appeal. We will stop at nothing. The law is on our side. This decision is a disgrace for Africa. The timing is really bad. CAF should have taken a decision earlier, quicker. The situation has only rotted more and more.

Fifa fined the NFF 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,270; 950) after determining that the federation had failed to ensure proper "order and security", particularly following the "throwing of objects" by spectators during the game. The incident was deemed a violation under Article 17.2.b and Article 17 of the Fifa disciplinary code.

The clash between hosts Morocco and Senegal was approaching the end of normal time with the two sides goalless, when a disallowed Senegal goal was followed by the awarding of a stoppage time Morocco penalty by referee Jean Jacques when El Hadji Malick Diouf felled Brahim Diaz. Still angry at seeing a goal for his side chalked off, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw told his team to leave the pitch.

Several presidents of African football federations have told the Guardian they were not informed of the decision until it was surprisingly announced by the Caf president, Patrice Motsepe, on 20 December, prompting claims that the confederation breached its statutes by failing to seek approval at a general assembly. That is based on a contention that major changes to competition formats must be ratified by the 54 member associations, although that has been disputed by senior sources at Caf.

On arrival in Rabat they were surrounded by fans and locals demanding selfies and videos released on social media show them being jostled as they made their way through the station to the team bus. The FSF statement spoke of a clear lack of adequate security measures that exposed the players and technical staff to overcrowding and risks incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude and the prestige of a continental final.