CAF penalises Algeria over violent conduct against S’Eagles

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed severe disciplinary sanctions on Algeria following their 2–0 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the just concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. In an official statement, CAF disclosed that its Disciplinary Board met to review reports stemming from the encounter played on January 10, 2026, […]

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed severe disciplinary sanctions on Algeria following their 2–0 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the just concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

In an official statement, CAF disclosed that its Disciplinary Board met to review reports stemming from the encounter played on January 10, 2026, and issued multiple rulings against Algerian players and the national federation.

It will be recalled that the controversy erupted immediately after the final whistle, as Nigeria progressed from the match amid protests by Algerian players and supporters, who disputed key decisions, including an alleged unawarded penalty.

Footage shared widely online showed Algerian players confronting match officials, with scenes escalating into physical confrontations. Fans were also seen throwing objects, while security struggled to contain the situation.

The decisions of the CAF Disciplinary Board stated: “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.”

Beyond player suspensions, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) was fined a cumulative USD 100,000 for infractions involving players, officials, and supporters.

CAF detailed the penalties as follows: “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 25,000 on the Algerian Football Federation due to the inappropriate behaviour of its players and officials at the end of the match, which brought the match into disrepute, in violation of Articles 82 and 83 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.”

Additional sanctions were also imposed, including “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 clarified that no disciplinary measures were taken against Nigeria in connection with the same fixture.