The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) $100,000 and imposed match bans on players following violent incidents after Algeria’s 2–0 loss to Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The disturbances broke out immediately after the final whistle, with several Algerian players reportedly engaging in an on-field confrontation with members of the Super Eagles, while others chased match officials from the pitch into the tunnel.
CAF described the conduct as “unacceptable” and referred the matter to its disciplinary committee for investigation.
Confirming the sanctions, journalist Sulaiman Adebayo, popularly known as Pooja, said CAF had imposed heavy penalties on Algeria for misconduct against Nigeria. He noted that the measures included match bans for players and multiple fines related to improper conduct, bad behaviour, the use of flares, objects thrown by supporters, security breaches and offensive gestures.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Algerian Football Federation acknowledged that CAF had fined the national team a total of $100,000. According to the federation, the sanctions covered players’ behaviour that led to several bookings, the actions of some players and officials after the match, the use of flares by fans, objects thrown from the stands, failure to comply with safety regulations, and offensive conduct involving supporters and some media personnel.
CAF also handed down sporting sanctions. Defender Rafik Belghali was suspended for four matches, with two of the bans to be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match suspension to be served in the next AFCON qualifying campaign.
Reacting to the decision, the Algerian FA said it had already begun the appeal process.
“Following these decisions, the Algerian FA immediately initiated the appeals process stipulated by the regulations in order to contest these sanctions. The FA will closely monitor developments in this case,” the federation said.
CAF has repeatedly stressed its commitment to discipline and fair play, warning that any inappropriate behaviour targeting match officials or tournament organisers will attract severe punishment.
