CAF Slams Algeria With $100,000 Fine, Match Bans After Violent AFCON Clash With Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has come down hard on Algeria, imposing a $100,000 fine on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and handing out match bans to key players following violent scenes that marred Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria at the quarter-final stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Chaos erupted moments after the final whistle of the fiery encounter, as several Algerian players clashed with members of the Super Eagles on the pitch. Others reportedly chased match officials into the tunnel, triggering widespread condemnation and prompting CAF to launch an immediate disciplinary investigation.
Describing the scenes as “unacceptable and damaging to the image of African football,” CAF referred the incident to its disciplinary committee, vowing decisive action.
A journalist who covered the tournament in Morocco, Sulaiman Adebayo, popularly known as Pooja, confirmed the sanctions in a social media post, stating:
“CAF impose heavy sanctions on Algeria for misconduct against Nigeria.”
According to him, the penalties include player suspensions, multiple fines, and sanctions for a range of offences such as improper conduct, bad behaviour, the use of flares, objects thrown by fans, security breaches, and offensive gestures.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Algerian Football Federation officially acknowledged the sanctions, confirming that the cumulative fine imposed by CAF stood at $100,000.
The federation disclosed that the penalties covered players’ misconduct leading to multiple bookings, the behaviour of some players and officials after the match, supporters’ use of flares, objects hurled onto the pitch, failure to comply with security regulations, and offensive behaviour involving fans and certain media personnel.
CAF also imposed sporting sanctions on individual players. Defender Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match suspension, with two matches to be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match suspension, to be enforced in the next AFCON qualifying campaign.
Reacting swiftly, the Algerian FA announced it had triggered the appeals process to challenge the sanctions.
“Following these decisions, the Algerian FA has immediately initiated the appeals process stipulated by the regulations and will closely follow developments in this case,” the federation said.
Meanwhile, CAF also condemned what it termed “unacceptable behaviour” by some players and officials following the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, which was played in Rabat on Sunday night.
In a statement issued on Monday, CAF lamented the chaotic scenes during and after the final, noting that match officials and tournament organizers were targeted, though no individuals were named.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, especially actions directed at referees or match organizers,” the statement read.
The continental body confirmed it is reviewing all available footage and will refer any confirmed violations to the appropriate disciplinary bodies, stressing that further sanctions may follow.
As Africa’s flagship football competition continues to draw massive global attention, CAF reiterated its firm commitment to discipline, respect, and fair play, warning that misconduct at any level will be met with swift and decisive punishment.