The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions on Algeria following the violent incidents that erupted after their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final loss to Nigeria.
The disciplinary measures include player suspensions and a $100,000 fine imposed on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), which has announced its intention to appeal the rulings immediately.
The unrest occurred after Nigeria secured a 2-0 win, courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Tensions had escalated during the first half when Algeria’s penalty appeal was denied, culminating in aggressive confrontations at full-time.
Algerian players confronted Senegalese referee Issa Sy, with defender Rafik Belghali reportedly chasing the official down the tunnel. In a separate incident, Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, was seen pushing Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
CAF’s Disciplinary Committee responded with strict penalties. Zidane was suspended for two matches for violent conduct, while Belghali received a four-match ban for pursuing the referee. Both suspensions will be enforced during the 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures.
The FAF was also fined a total of $100,000 for multiple breaches, including: $5,000 for player conduct leading to bookings; $25,000 for post-match behavior of players and officials; $5,000 for fans’ use of flares; $5,000 for objects thrown by supporters; $10,000 for non-compliance with security regulations; and $50,000 for the overall misconduct of fans and some media personnel, which CAF described as a “serious violation” of disciplinary and safety standards.
In response, the Algerian Football Federation stated: “Following these decisions, the Algerian Football Federation immediately initiated the appeals process stipulated by the regulations in force to contest these sanctions.”
CAF’s firm action is aimed at sending a clear message that attacks on referees, opponents, and misconduct by players or fans will not be tolerated, regardless of a team’s reputation or stature.
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