CAF hit hard on Comoros for jersey mix-up

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has levied fines against the Comoros Football Federation after defender Chaker Alhadhur played in goal with a number taped on the back of his jersey. It will be recalled that Alhadhur started in goal for Comoros against host nation Cameroon after all three of the nation’s goalkeepers tested positive […]

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has levied fines against the Comoros Football Federation after defender Chaker Alhadhur played in goal with a number taped on the back of his jersey.

It will be recalled that Alhadhur started in goal for Comoros against host nation Cameroon after all three of the nation’s goalkeepers tested positive for COVID-19.

He wore a goalkeeper kit with his name on the back along with his usual number 3 taped over the number 16.

CAF slammed a $5000 fine on Comoros for “failure to respect the jersey numbers already registered on the CMS system by the player” and another $2,000 for “the delay of the match caused by their players.”

CAF said that the kick-off delay was due to Alhadhur wearing “a shirt with a number that is not his when leaving the locker room.”

It was gathered that Alhadhur arrived at the stadium, his usual number 3 outfield jersey was laid out for him, and the whole team thought goalkeeper Ali Ahamada would start in goal as he had tested negative for COVID-19 that morning.

But CAF rules state that a player must have a negative PCR test 48 hours before his team’s next match in order to play.

When Ahamada was ruled ineligible, out came the goalkeeper shirt with Alhadhur’s name on it and the number 16, which had been assigned to another goalie, Moyadh Ousseni.

In addition to the penalties related to Alhadhur’s jersey, the FFC was also fined $10,000 US for “non-compliance with the COVID-19 Protocol required by CAF,” and Comoros goalkeeping coach Jean-Daniel Padovani was suspended for three matches for “disrespectful behaviour” toward officials