Tanzania manager, Adel Amrouche, has been suspended by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) after he made comments criticising Morocco’s influence in the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The suspension comes after Morocco filed a complaint with CAF regarding Amrouche’s remarks.
Amrouche had previously stated that Morocco had influence within CAF and could manipulate match scheduling and officiating. This led to a disciplinary hearing, where CAF handed Amrouche an eight-match ban.
Following the decision, the TFF released a statement announcing Amrouche’s suspension. Hemed Suleiman Ali has been named interim coach, with the assistance of Juma Mgunda for the remainder of Tanzania’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The Taifa Stars are set to play their second group game against Zambia on Sunday, and Amrouche’s absence will undoubtedly affect the team’s strategy. They lost their opening game 3-0 against Morocco and need a response.
Amrouche had been instrumental in helping Tanzania qualify for the Afcon finals, securing a point in his native Algeria in their final qualifying match. Before he was appointed Tanzania’s manager in March 2023, he had coached several other African nations, including Equatorial Guinea, Burundi, Kenya, Libya, and Botswana.
However, his controversial comments landed him in hot water, and he has since tried to backtrack on his statements. Before Tanzania’s Afcon opener against Morocco, Amrouche praised the North African side, calling them “one of the best teams in the world.”
Despite the drama surrounding Amrouche’s suspension, TFF President Wallace Karia maintains that the organization does not condone his comments. In a video posted by Azam TV, Karia emphasised that Amrouche’s views were personal opinions and did not reflect those of the TFF. He also reiterated the organisation’s friendship with the Moroccan Football Federation.
