The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a total fine of $100,000 on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and handed out multiple player suspensions following disciplinary breaches during and after Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) The quarter-final defeat to Nigeria.
The sanctions follow chaotic scenes at the end of the 2026 AFCON, encounter in Marrakech, Morocco, where Nigeria secured a 2–0 victory to book a place in the semi-finals.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board said several Algerian players and officials confronted match officials immediately after the final whistle, conduct it described as bringing the game into disrepute. The disorder reportedly escalated into an on-field scuffle that also involved and affected some Nigerian players.
In its ruling, CAF fined the Algerian FA $25,000 for the conduct of its players and officials at the end of the match. An additional $15,000 fine was imposed for further offences, 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 also handed down a separate $60,000 fine for what it described as offensive and abusive gestures by supporters, including the display of banknotes toward match officials, as well as the federation’s failure to comply with security measures after attempts were made to force security barriers.
Beyond the financial penalties, CAF suspended two Algerian players over their roles in the post-match disturbances. Defender Rafik Belghali received a four-match ban, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane was handed a two-match suspension.
In response, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed it has lodged an appeal against the sanctions.
“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 this month, the quarter-finals of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations,” the federation said in a statement.
“Following these decisions, the Algerian FA immediately initiated the appeals process stipulated by the regulations in order to contest these sanctions. The FA will follow developments in this case very closely.”
CAF is yet to announce a timeline for the appeal hearing or any possible revision of the sanctions.
