Caf slaps Gabon with Sh2.2million fine

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a Sh2.2 million ($20,000) fine on Gabon for non-compliance with safety and security directives at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The decision was reached following a CAF disciplinary board meeting on Saturday, the continental football body said in a statement. 

Arriving in Yaounde on January 6 for the tournament, the Gabonese delegation went against CAF’s instructions by changing their hotel after CAF’s Safety and Security department had refused their request to change hotels.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board found Gabon guilty and imposed a fine of USD 20 000 for non-compliance with CAF’s directives,” the statement said in part.

The Gabonese Football Federation had said then that their members contested the hotel provided by CAF, saying it did “not possess the facilities needed by top athletes.”

It said however that part of their delegation—media from Dubai was lodged at the said hotel.

The disciplinary committee also sanctioned Ghanaian player Benjamin Tetteh, who assaulted a Gabonese player after the final whistle during their second group game at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.

The disciplinary board said it had suspended Tetteh for one additional game match in addition to his automatic suspension of two matches.

“Consequently, the player has been suspended for three matches.

“The Disciplinary Board has also issued a stern warning to both teams (Ghana and Gabon) for their unsportsmanship behaviour after the referee's full time whistle,” the statement said further.

It said the board rejected a request by Malian Football Federation to cancel the red card given to Bilal Toure during their second group fixture against Tunisia in Limbe on January 12.

“CAF Disciplinary Board upheld the decision of the referee. Consequently, Bilal Toure is suspended for two matches,” CAF said.