TheCable

The Royal Federation of Moroccan Football (FRMF) has rejected the sanctions imposed on them by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for not hosting the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

CAF banned Morocco from the next two editions of the AFCON and fined FRMF £650, 000 and claiming £5.9 million in damages.

But the FRMF has now said it “rejects all of these sports and financial sanctions”.

“The executive committee is said to be greatly surprised by the decisions taken by CAF,” a statement on the federation’s website said.

“They do not correspond in any way to the conclusions of the first meeting in Cairo with the president of CAF.”

It added that it believes there is “no regulatory basis” for the punishment and that it will “take all necessary measures to uphold the rights and interests of Moroccan football and provisions”.

Equatorial Guinea hosted the 2015 AFCON after CAF turned down Morocco’s plea to postpone the tournament over the country’s fears about the potential spread of Ebola.

Cote d’Ivoire beat Ghana in the final of the tournament 9-8 on penalties.