AFCON: CAF fines Algerian FA $100,000, suspends players Over clash with Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Algerian Football Federation $100,000 and handed suspensions to two players following misconduct after Algeria’s quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF confirmed the sanctions in a statement released on Wednesday.

Nigeria beat Algeria 2–0 on December 10 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech to secure a place in the semi-finals. Tensions flared at full-time as Algerian players and officials blamed the match officials, led by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, for the result.

The confrontation escalated into a heated on-field incident involving Algerian players, officials, and a few Nigerian players. Match officials were escorted off the pitch by security personnel as the situation deteriorated. Disorder later spread to the technical area, where some Algerian players were seen pushing and throwing punches while attempting to reach the officials.

Following its investigation, CAF’s disciplinary committee imposed a $25,000 fine on Algeria for the conduct of its players and officials, which it said brought the game into disrepute.

An additional $15,000 fine was issued for multiple offences during the match, including the accumulation of five yellow cards by Algerian players, the use of smoke bombs by supporters, and the throwing of objects from the stands.

CAF further fined the Algerian FA $60,000 for offensive and abusive gestures by supporters—specifically the display of banknotes directed at the referees—and for failing to enforce adequate security measures after fans attempted to breach security barriers.

Two Algerian players were also sanctioned for their roles in the post-match incident. Rafik Belghali received a four-match suspension, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane was banned for two matches.

The Algerian Football Federation has announced that it has begun the process of appealing the sanctions.