The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slammed the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) with a $100,000 fine and handed match bans to players following violent scenes that erupted after Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The incident occurred immediately after the final whistle of the quarter-final clash, with several Algerian players involved in an on-field altercation with Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Reports also indicated that some players pursued match officials from the pitch into the tunnel, prompting CAF to describe the conduct as “unacceptable.”
Following an investigation by its disciplinary committee, CAF confirmed a series of sanctions covering both on-field misconduct and crowd-related offences. A journalist who covered the tournament, Sulaiman Adebayo, popularly known as Pooja, disclosed the development on social media, noting that Algeria had been heavily sanctioned for misconduct against Nigeria.
According to CAF and the Algerian FA, the penalties include fines for improper conduct, multiple bookings, the use of flares by supporters, objects thrown onto the pitch, breaches of safety regulations and offensive gestures involving fans and some media personnel.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed that the cumulative fines amounted to $100,000. The federation also acknowledged sporting sanctions imposed on individual players.
Defender Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match suspension, with two matches to be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match ban, which will also apply in the next AFCON qualifying campaign.
Reacting to the ruling, the Algerian FA announced its intention to challenge the sanctions.
“Following these decisions, the Algerian FA immediately initiated the appeals process stipulated by the regulations in order to contest these sanctions. The FA will follow developments in this case very closely,” the federation said.
Meanwhile, CAF has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, also condemning chaotic scenes that followed the AFCON Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat. Although no individuals were named, CAF said the behaviour targeted match officials and tournament organizers.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers,” the governing body said in a statement, adding that further sanctions could follow after a review of match footage.
CAF emphasized that discipline, respect and fair play remain central to its competitions, particularly at flagship events like the Africa Cup of Nations, which continues to draw massive attention across the continent.