Traore, Diatta banned following Cup of Nations outbursts

 

Following their disagreeable responses to losing to hosts Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, Mali captain Hamari Traore and Senegal winger Krepin Diatta have been suspended for a total of two matches each. output 

Diatta was furious with the match officials for what he believed to be wrong calls, and the Ivorians overcame Senegal on penalties in the round of 16.

He called the Confederation of African Football "corrupt" and was fined $10,000 for bringing the sport into disgrace.

In the quarterfinals, Traore challenged Egyptian referee Mohamed Adel and had to be escorted from of the field by teammates after a brawl. 

Ivory Coast went on to defeat Mali 2-1 after extra time. Unsportsmanlike behavior was found to have occurred.

Each player received a four-game punishment, of which half are suspended for a year.

The Ivorian and Senegalese football federations each received a $5,000 sanction, while the Mali football federation was hit with a $10,000 fine. output 

Two 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June will be Senegal and Mali's next competitive matches.