Marrakech, Morocco – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has levied a substantial $100,000 fine on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and issued suspensions to two players in response to widespread disciplinary violations during and after the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria on January 10, 2026.
The sanctions, announced by CAF's Disciplinary Board on January 21, 2026, stem from chaotic and unsportsmanlike conduct that erupted at the Grand Stade de Marrakech following Nigeria's convincing 2-0 victory. The result saw the Super Eagles advance to the semi-finals, where they would later face the host nation, Morocco.
Nigeria dominated the encounter, breaking the deadlock early in the second half when Victor Osimhen headed home a precise cross from Bruno Onyemaechi in the 47th minute. Osimhen's goal unsettled the Algerian defense, and just ten minutes later, Akor Adams capitalized on a swift team move, rounding goalkeeper Luca Zidane to slot into an empty net for the decisive second goal. Algeria, despite fielding experienced players like Riyad Mahrez—who had announced the tournament as his last AFCON—struggled to create clear chances and saw their campaign end in frustration.
The match itself was competitive but tense, with Nigeria maintaining control and limiting Algeria's attacking threats. However, the post-whistle scenes overshadowed the on-field action. As the final whistle blew, several Algerian players and officials confronted match officials, leading to heated exchanges that spilled into the tunnel. Reports from match officials and security personnel described aggressive and intimidating behavior directed toward the referee and his assistants.
The disorder extended beyond the Algerian side, with some Nigerian players also becoming involved in the scuffles as confrontations escalated. CAF's Disciplinary Board condemned the incidents as bringing the game into disrepute, violating multiple articles of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including those related to improper conduct, aggressive behavior, and actions discrediting the sport.
In its detailed ruling, CAF broke down the financial penalties against the FAF as follows:
- $5,000 for the national team's improper conduct, stemming from five yellow cards issued during the match (in violation of Article 130(a) of the Disciplinary Code).
- $25,000 for the inappropriate behavior of certain players and officials at the end of the match, which brought discredit upon the contest (Articles 82 and 83).
- Additional fines totaling $70,000 for supporter-related offenses, including the use of smoke bombs, throwing of objects, offensive and abusive gestures (such as displaying banknotes) directed at match referees, and failure to comply with security measures, including attempts to breach barriers.
The total fine reached $100,000, marking one of the heavier punishments issued during the tournament for crowd and team misconduct.
On the individual front, CAF suspended two Algerian players for their roles in the post-match scuffle:
- Goalkeeper Luca Zidane (son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, currently with Granada) received a two-match ban from CAF official matches with the Algeria national team, applicable to future competitions such as the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- Defender Rafik Belghali (of Hellas Verona) was handed a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended for a one-year probationary period starting from the date of the decision. The immediate impact means Belghali will miss at least two qualifiers unless further infractions occur.
The suspensions are set to affect Algeria's preparations for upcoming international fixtures, particularly in the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
In response, the Algerian Football Federation swiftly announced its intention to appeal the sanctions. In an official statement released shortly after CAF's decision, the FAF expressed disagreement with the ruling and confirmed the initiation of the appeals process as outlined in CAF regulations.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
The appeal could potentially lead to a review or reduction of the fines and suspensions, though CAF has emphasized its commitment to upholding discipline and fair play across African football.
The incidents have drawn widespread criticism from football stakeholders, with many viewing the post-match behavior as unacceptable in a high-profile continental tournament. CAF has repeatedly stressed the need for all parties—players, officials, and supporters—to adhere to standards of conduct that reflect the spirit of the game.
Nigeria's progression following the win highlighted their strong form in the tournament, having maintained an unbeaten run through the group stage and knockouts up to that point. The victory over Algeria positioned the Super Eagles as serious contenders, building on their bronze-medal finish later in the competition.
Algeria, the 2019 AFCON champions, exited the tournament earlier than anticipated, with the quarter-final loss compounding frustrations from a campaign that saw them top their group but falter in the decisive knockout tie.
As the dust settles on AFCON Morocco 2025—ultimately won by Senegal in a dramatic final against the hosts—the disciplinary actions serve as a reminder of the governing body's resolve to address misconduct firmly. The case underscores ongoing challenges in managing crowd behavior, player discipline, and emotional responses in high-stakes matches across the continent.
With appeals pending, the full implications for Algerian football remain to be seen, but the sanctions have already sparked debate about accountability, sportsmanship, and the enforcement of rules in African competitions.
