AFCON 2025: CAF SANCTIONS ALGERIA WITH $100,000 FINE, SUSPENDS PLAYERS AFTER NIGERIA CLASH
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed multiple sanctions on Algeria and some of its players following incidents of misconduct during and after their Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 quarter-final clash with Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF disclosed that its Disciplinary Board met to review incidents stemming from the group-stage match played on January 10, 2026, and reached a number of decisions.
The CAF Disciplinary Board decision read, “Suspend Algeria player Luca Zidane for two (2) CAF official matches with the Algeria national team for misconduct.
“Suspend Algeria player Rafik Belghali, player for four (4) CAF official matches with the Algeria national team, for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the match referee at the end of the match.
“However, two (2) matches are suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”
CAF also sanctioned the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), imposing fines amounting to USD 100,000 over the conduct of its players, officials and supporters.
The penalties include, “Impose a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the conduct of the senior (“A”) national team, having received five (5) cautions (yellow cards) during the match, in violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
“Impose a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the use of smoke devices by its supporters.”
Other sanctions include “a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the throwing of objects by its supporters.
“Impose a fine of USD 10,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for failure to comply with security measures, due to the behaviour of its supporters who attempted to force the security barriers.
“Impose a fine of USD 50,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for offensive and abusive gestures (displaying banknotes) committed by its supporters towards the match officials.”
CAF stated that no sanctions were imposed on the Nigerian team in connection with the encounter.
The incident occurred immediately after the final whistle, following Nigeria’s victory, which saw the Super Eagles progress amid protests from Algerian players and supporters, particularly over an alleged missed penalty decision.
Footage circulating on social media showed Algerian players confronting match officials and engaging in physical altercations, while supporters were seen throwing objects amid reported security breaches.
In response, the Algerian Football Federation has confirmed its intention to appeal the sanctions, describing the penalties as disproportionate and calling for a review of the match officiating.
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