The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) $100,000 and suspended players following disciplinary violations in Algeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash against Nigeria.
Also read: AFCON 2025: CAF investigates quarter-final abuse in Nigeria vs Algeria match
These sanctions were imposed following a detailed disciplinary review of the incidents that occurred during and after the match, which was played on January 10, 2026 at the 2025 AFCON.
Algeria lost the match 2–0 after second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Also read: AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Adams shine as Nigeria beats Algeria to book semi-final place
CAF confirmed that Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane and defender Rafik Belghali have been suspended for their roles in the post-match disturbance.
Zidane was banned for two matches, while Belghali was banned for four matches, two of which were suspended. Both approvals will be given during the qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON.
The Algerian FA announced on Wednesday that it had appealed the decision.
Tension rose after the final whistle with Algeria's frustration at not being awarded a penalty with the game still goalless. Scuffles broke out between players and officials from both teams, while Algerian supporters were accused of invading the pitch and attempting to display banknotes towards the match officials.
In an official statement, the Algerian FA said:
“The Algerian Football Federation informs the public of the decision delivered 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 details of the sanctions as follows:
$5,000 for inappropriate conduct of the Algerian national team, after five players were warned, in violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
$25,000 for inappropriate behavior by players and officials after the match, believed to have brought the game into disrepute, contrary to Articles 82 and 83.
$5,000 for supporters' use of smoke bombs.
$5,000 for objects thrown on the pitch.
$10,000 for failure to comply with security measures, following attempts by supporters to breach security barriers.
$50,000 for offensive and insulting gestures, particularly the display of bank notes 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.
