The Moroccan Federation of Football (FRMF) released a statement yesterday smoothing over the brawl that broke out between Morocco and Democratic Republic of Congo players and coaching staff at the end of the teams’ 1-1 draw at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday.
A post-match melee started when Morocco coach Walid Regragui approached Congo captain Chancel Mbemba, who had previously received a yellow card for arguing with the referee, and shook his hand saying something Mbemba obviously disagreed with. Mbemba then signaled for the video referee as players from both teams rushed in and officials struggled to stem the pushing and shoving.
Addressing the unprecedented clash, FRMF struck a positive note, highlighting the historical ties, special relations, and cooperation between Morocco and the DRC, and in particular the longstanding cooperation between FRMF and the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), that has brough Congolese players to Morocco and football exchanges between the two federations.
“FRMF president, Fouzi Lekjaa, was the first to congratulate Congo coach, Sebastien Desabre,” read the statement. “In addition, Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi assisted in the treatment of Congolese player Henoc Inonga Baka, reflecting the sportsmanship displayed throughout the match.”
The FRMF condemned the “unsportsmanlike” conduct that broke out after the game and reaffirmed its dedication to ethical values, fair play, and good sportsmanship, underlining that actions post-match “should strengthen the fraternal bonds” between the two countries.
The Congolese Federation also issued a press release on Monday, supporting its captain and calling the Moroccan players’ actions “assaults.”
“The Leopards’ captain, Chancel Mbemba Mongulu, was subjected to discourteous remarks by the Moroccan players, following in the footsteps of their coach, to the point of being assaulted by them in the dressing room corridors,” read the FECOFA statement.
FECOFA expressed “its indignation,” condemning the “unsportsmanlike attitude” of the Moroccan players, and reserved its right to protest by referring the matter to the disciplinary bodies of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) “to ensure that such misguidedness is never repeated at soccer matches on the continent.”
The football body concluded the statement by inviting “all members of the Leopards Delegation to uphold their cardinal virtues of sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for the human values of others,” and urging them “to surpass themselves and to show tolerance.”
Also responding to the incident, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a press release today announcing that it is initiating an investigation into the post-match events involving FRMF and FECOFA and that no further comments would be made until the investigation concludes.
The unusual chaos on Sunday followed a 1-1 draw match marked by tension throughout and 34 fouls. What happened exactly during later contretemps in the corridor remains unclear due to a broadcast interruption, but social media videos showed Moroccan player Youssef En-Nesyri chasing Mbemba at full speed, shouting something about “disrespecting Regragui,” but then being restrained by Yassine Bounou.
In a later press conference, Moroccan coach Regragui explained that he had not appreciated Mbemba shaking his hand without even looking at him, but that he regretted the unsightly incident at the end of the match.
“I have a huge respect for Mbemba,” he said. “Maybe it was the adrenaline that made him behave that way. I regret that neither we nor the DRC gave a good account of ourselves.”
Questioned by reporters, Mbemba, “hinting at insults” chose silence, stating, “I keep silent; it’s better. I respect everyone, but I never expected to hear those words from the coach’s mouth.”