The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) $100,000 fine and imposed player suspensions following disciplinary breaches that marred Algeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash against Nigeria.
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The sanctions followed a detailed disciplinary review of incidents that occurred during and after the match, which was played on January 10, 2026, at the 2025 AFCON.
Algeria lost the tie 2–0 after second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Read Also: AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Adams shine as Nigeria crush Algeria to book semi-final spot
CAF confirmed that Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane and defender Rafik Belghali have been suspended for their roles in the post-match disturbances.
Zidane received a two-match ban, while Belghali was handed a four-match suspension, with two of those matches suspended. Both sanctions will be served during the qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON.
The Algerian FA announced on Wednesday that it has appealed against the ruling.
Tensions flared after the final whistle following Algeria’s frustration over a denied penalty when the game was still goalless. A scuffle broke out between players and officials from both teams, while Algerian supporters were cited for attempting to invade the pitch and displaying banknotes toward match officials.
In an official statement, the Algerian FA said:
“The Algerian Football Federation informs the public of the decision rendered by the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the incidents that occurred during the Algeria–Nigeria match, played on January 10, 2026, for the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”
CAF outlined the breakdown of the sanctions as follows:
$5,000 for the improper conduct of the Algerian national team, after five players were cautioned, in violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
$25,000 for inappropriate behaviour by players and officials after the match, deemed to have brought the game into disrepute, contrary to Articles 82 and 83.
$5,000 for the use of smoke bombs by supporters.
$5,000 for objects thrown onto the pitch.
$10,000 for failure to comply with security measures, following attempts by supporters to breach security barriers.
$50,000 for offensive and abusive gestures, specifically the display of banknotes directed at match officials.
CAF said the cumulative sanctions underline its determination to clamp down on conduct that undermines the credibility, safety and image of African football.
