Former Tanzania national team head coach Adel Amrouche has been handed an eight-match suspension by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following controversial public comments questioning the governance of the continental body.

 

Amrouche was sanctioned after alleging that Morocco wields undue influence within CAF, including claims that the North African nation plays a role in the selection of match officials for African competitions. The remarks, made during a media appearance, quickly drew backlash and prompted disciplinary action from CAF.

 

In a statement, CAF’s disciplinary authorities said the comments were deemed inappropriate and damaging to the integrity of African football, stressing that such allegations undermine confidence in the organization’s structures and decision-making processes.

 

The fallout from the controversy extended beyond the suspension. Shortly after the incident, Amrouche was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Tanzania national team. The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) moved swiftly to distance itself from the remarks, citing the need to safeguard its standing within African football and to uphold professional standards.

 

TFF officials emphasized that the federation remains committed to maintaining a constructive relationship with CAF and ensuring that its representatives act in a manner consistent with the values of the sport.

 

CAF, for its part, strongly rejected Amrouche’s claims. The organization reiterated that referees and match officials are appointed through established, transparent procedures designed to ensure fairness and neutrality across all competitions. CAF added that it remains committed to good governance and equal treatment of all member associations.

 

The suspension marks the latest high-profile disciplinary case involving a coach in African football and highlights CAF’s firm stance against public statements it believes could bring the game into disrepute.