BATA, Equatorial Guinea _ Tunisian football chief Wade Jary was suspended from all African football events until further notice Friday for his criticism over the refereeing during Tunisia’s quarterfinal loss to Equatorial Guinea.
The Confederation of African Football tournament organizers Jary would be suspended until he submitted a letter of apology, or a letter “with irrefutable, tangible evidence to substantiate claims of CAF’s bias against the Tunisian team.”
Referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn surrounded by security as Tunisia’s players confront him after losing quarterfinal match of 2015 African Cup of Nations against Equatorial Guinea in Bata (REUTERS)
Tunisia was outraged by what it said was poor refereeing during Saturday’s match. Referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn awarded a penalty at the 90th minute that gave Equatorial Guinea the tying goal the match. Equatorial Guinea eventually scored another goal to bring a 2-1 victory.
After the match, Jary said his team “suffered scandalous injustice from referees.” Tunisian players also damaged some of the stadium locker room, resulting in a $50,000 fine.
CAF had ordered Jary to apologize for his remarks, giving him a deadline of Thursday, but Jary submitted nothing.
CAF organizers also gave the Tunisian Football Federation until March 31 to comply with all the recommendation, or face disqualification from the 2017 Africa Cup.
Meanwhile, tournament organizers also levied a massive $1 million against Morocco for its refusal to host this year’s tournament, and suspended its national team of Morocco from the 2017 and 2019 tournaments.
Morocco had been scheduled to host the 2015 tournament, but asked for a delay, fearing spreading Ebola. CAF organizers refused the request, stripped Morocco of its hosting and gave the tournament to Equatorial Guinea.