AFCON 2025: Algeria Files Formal Complaint To CAF, FIFA After Defeat To Super Eagles

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed that it has submitted formal complaints to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over centre referee’s decisions during its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match against Nigeria.

The Federation announced the move on Monday via the official X handle of the Algeria national team, stating that the complaints were accompanied by a request for a full investigation into what it described as controversial officiating.

According to FAF, the refereeing decisions in the encounter raised serious concerns and sparked widespread dissatisfaction, adding that they undermined the credibility of African officiating and the image of African football globally.

“The Algerian Football Federation cannot overlook the refereeing decisions in the last match, which raised questions and caused widespread dissatisfaction, as they undermined the credibility of African refereeing and do not serve the image of African football internationally,” the statement read.

“Accordingly, the Algerian Football Federation has formally contacted CAF and FIFA by submitting an official complaint, accompanied by a request to open an investigation, to clarify what occurred and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable regulations.”

The complaint followed Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria on Saturday, a result that brought the Desert Foxes’ 2025 AFCON campaign to an end. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed Nigeria’s passage into the semi-finals of the continental soccer showpiece.

The match ended amid heated scenes, with Algerian players confronting match officials at the final whistle. Videos circulating online showed scuffles involving some players and officials, as well as an attempted pitch invasion by fans, which was prevented by stadium security.

CAF confirmed on Monday that it has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players and officials during the match. The football body said it has reviewed match officials’ reports and video footage, indicating potentially unacceptable behaviour and has referred the matter to its Disciplinary Board.