The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a hefty $100,000 fine on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) following incidents it described as “inappropriate behaviour” after Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final loss to Nigeria.
According to reports, the sanctions were confirmed in an official statement released by CAF on Wednesday. The disciplinary action stems from chaotic scenes that followed Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Algeria at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on December 10 during the quarter-final stage of the 2025 AFCON.
CAF reported that tensions flared immediately after the final whistle, with Algerian players and officials angrily confronting match officials and blaming them for their elimination.
The Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, and his officiating team were reportedly targeted, leading to intense verbal exchanges that quickly escalated into physical confrontations on the pitch, involving some Nigerian players as well.
The situation deteriorated to the point where referees had to be escorted off the field for their safety. CAF noted that the disturbances spread toward the technical area, where several Algerian players were seen shoving and attempting to strike at match officials.
Following its investigations, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee fined the Algerian FA $25,000 for the conduct of its players and officials, stating that their actions brought the game into disrepute.
A further $15,000 fine was added for a series of violations, including the accumulation of five yellow cards, the lighting of smoke bombs by supporters, and the throwing of objects onto the pitch.
CAF also handed down a $60,000 fine for the behaviour of Algerian fans, citing offensive and abusive gestures directed at referees, including the display of banknotes, as well as failure to adhere to stadium security regulations after attempts were made to breach safety barriers.
In addition to the financial penalties, two Algerian players were suspended for their involvement in the post-match unrest. Defender Rafik Belghali received a four-match ban, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane was suspended for two matches.
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Reacting to the decision, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed that it has launched an appeal, challenging both the fines and the suspensions imposed by CAF.