AFCON 2025: CAF Fines Algeria, Suspends Players Over Clash With Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down multiple sanctions against Algeria and some of its players following misconduct during and after their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 quarter-final match against Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAF said its Disciplinary Board convened to deliberate on incidents arising from the January 10, 2026 encounter and reached several decisions.

According to the ruling, Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane was suspended for two CAF official matches with the national team for misconduct.

Defender Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match suspension for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the match referee at the end of the game. However, two of the four matches were suspended for a one-year probationary period, starting on the date of the decision.

CAF also imposed a series of fines on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), totalling USD100,000, over the conduct of its players, officials and supporters.

Hereunder are the full sanctions:

USD 5,000 fine for the senior national team receiving five yellow cards during the match, in violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

USD 25,000 fine for inappropriate behaviour by players and officials at the end of the match, which brought the game into disrepute, contrary to Articles 82 and 83.

USD 5,000 Fine for supporters using smoke devices.

USD 5,000 Fine for the throwing of objects by supporters.

USD 10,000 Fine for failure to comply with security measures, following attempts by supporters to force security barriers.

USD 50,000 Fine for offensive and abusive gestures by supporters, including the display of banknotes towards match officials.

CAF said no sanctions were imposed on the Nigerian team in relation to the match.

The incident occurred immediately after the final whistle, as the Super Eagles advanced amid protests from Algerian players and fans over disputed goals, particularly an alleged missed penalty call in Algeria’s favour.

Videos circulated on social media showed Algerian players confronting match officials and engaging in physical altercations, while supporters were seen throwing objects amid apparent security lapses.

In response, the Algerian Football Federation has confirmed it will appeal the sanctions, describing them as disproportionate and calling for a review of the officiating during the match.