)
Both players were handed bans for their poor conduct as their countries were knocked out by the AFCON 2023 hosts and eventual champions, Ivory Coast
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been marred by controversy following the conclusion of the tournament, with severe disciplinary actions taken against Mali captain Hamari Traore and Senegal's Krepin Diatta for their conduct during the competition.
The aftermath of intense matches has led to significant repercussions for both players and their respective football federations.
Hamari Traore's Confrontation and Ban
Hamari Traore, the 32-year-old defender and captain of Mali, has been handed a four-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for unsporting conduct towards a referee. This decision comes after Traore was sent off following Mali's quarter-final defeat to Ivory Coast on February 3rd.
)
The incident saw Traore engaging in a heated confrontation with Egyptian referee Mohamed Adel, resulting in both the player and the official pushing each other. As a consequence of his actions, half of Traore's ban will be suspended for a year.
In addition to Traore's personal punishment, the Mali football federation has been fined $10,000 due to the unsporting behavior exhibited by its players towards the match official. This penalty underscores the serious stance taken by CAF against misconduct and the importance of maintaining respect for officials in the sport.
The Ivory Coast football federation has also faced financial repercussions, being fined $5,000 for misconduct by their team in the same incident.
Kreppin Diatta's Remarks and Sanctions
The controversy extended beyond the Mali-Ivory Coast fixture, with Senegal's Krepin Diatta facing a four-match ban and a $10,000 fine for bringing CAF into disrepute.
)
Diatta's comments following Senegal's penalty shootout defeat to Ivory Coast in the last 16 were deemed inappropriate, resulting in two matches of his ban being suspended for a year. The Senegalese federation was additionally fined $5,000 for the misconduct of its players.
The officiating fiasco and subsequent disciplinary actions taken against Hamari Traore and Kreppin Diatta have cast a shadow over the 2023 AFCON. These severe bans and fines serve as a stark reminder of the expectations placed on players and federations to uphold the principles of sportsmanship and respect within the game. As the dust settles on this year's tournament, the lessons learned from these incidents will hopefully lead to improved conduct in future competitions.
Related content
)
11:21 - 19.02.2024
From heroes to hot water: Nigeria in the clear as CAF's AFCON hammer hits Ivory Coast
CAF sanctions Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal for AFCON wrongs, with Nigeria given a clean bill.
)
21:00 - 18.02.2024
FOOTBALL Real Sociedad defender Hamari Traore suspended for AFCON attack
Referee Mohamed Adel was at the center of a dispute after Mali's AFCON quarter-final loss to Ivory Coast on February 3, 2024.
)
20:59 - 16.02.2024
FOOTBALL Mali coach Sekou Chelle explains viral water incident after AFCON heartbreak
Mali coach Sekou Chelle has addressed viral water incident that went viral during 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
)
19:41 - 16.02.2024
Sébastien Haller: Fans troll Liverpool for failing to emulate Brighton by celebrating Sadio Mane’s AFCON title win
After Dortmund celebrated their AFCON 2023 winner, fans have called out Liverpool on social media for not celebrating Mane’s AFCON success with Senegal in 2022.
)
17:00 - 16.02.2024
FOOTBALL Roger Milla criticizes Ivorian player for Moroccan flag gesture during AFCON celebrations
Roger Milla has criticized Ivory Coast striker Max Gradel for waving Moroccan flag during AFCON celebrations
![Sébastien Haller receives hero's welcome on return to Borussia Dortmund after AFCON heroics [VIDEO]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/16022024/19c98c08-8114-4eff-8bbb-e96805e7a95a.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
15:37 - 16.02.2024
FOOTBALL Sébastien Haller receives hero's welcome on return to Borussia Dortmund after AFCON heroics [VIDEO]
Ivory Coast’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hero Sebastien Haller was celebrated in style by his Borussia Dortmund team-mates when he returned to club duties.
)
14:51 - 16.02.2024
Mali Head Coach Eric Chelle Explains Rationale Behind Unusual AFCON Gesture During Loss to Ivory Coast
Sekou Chelle went viral after his touchline reaction to his side getting knocked out in a dramatic AFCON 2023 quarterfinal against Ivory Coast
)
14:00 - 16.02.2024
FOOTBALL Sadio Mane 'not sharing home' with Aisha Tamba after marriage
Sadio Mane and his young wife Aisha Tamba are living apart as she focuses on her studies ahead of joining him in Saudi.
)
12:14 - 16.02.2024
‘I Cannot Go to Africa’ —- Jose Mourinho explains why he will not be visiting the continent anytime soon
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager revealed the heartwarming reason why he cannot visit Africa
)
17:53 - 14.02.2024
AFCON 2023: CAF suspend Senegal star Krépin Diatta owing to corruption slur
Senegal's woes at 2023 AFCON continue to unravel days after curtains came down on the event.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)