Equatorial Guinea Pair Issued Multi-Game Suspension for Referee Abuse at Africa Cup of Nations.
Carlos Akapo will be absent for his side's last tournament fixture at Afcon 2025.
The National Thunder captain Carlos Akapo and teammate Josete Miranda have each been suspended for four games for verbally attacking the referee following their 1-0 defeat by Sudan at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The decision was made by a disciplinary panel after it examined the official's match report from the Group E clash on Sunday, a result that sealed the team's exit from the competition.
The referee stated that the two players "repeatedly uttered insulting and offensive remarks" towards him and his linesmen after the final whistle.
"These remarks were made in a atmosphere of intense frustration stemming from the loss, but nonetheless represent a grave violation of the principles of sportsmanship and conduct as well as the disciplinary regulations," noted the referee.
Two matches of the respective suspensions for the two players have been suspended for a period of one year.
Immediate Consequences
The duo will now miss their nation's final tournament fixture against Algeria on Wednesday.
In a related development, the nation's football federation has been fined a amount of $10,000 after its technical staff and players engaged in "excessive and aggressive complaints" against decisions by the officials.
The official documentation detailed there was "a progressive deterioration in conduct on the touchline" following an unfortunate deflection by defender Saul Coco in the 74th minute.
Additional Disciplinary Measures
In another incident, the continental body have additionally fined Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore the amount of $10,000 for "offensive comments" uttered in a post-game interview after his side's defeat to Angola.
