CAF Fines Algeria $100,000, Bans Players Over AFCON Post-Match Violence Against Nigeria
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has imposed a $100,000 fine on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and hands down match bans to players following violent scenes that erupted after Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
OTN News furthered reports as gathered that the trouble broke out immediately after the final whistle of the high-profile clash, as several Algerian players become involved in an on-field altercation with members of the Super Eagles. Other players reportedly pursue match officials from the pitch into the tunnel, prompting widespread condemnation.
CAF later described the conduct as “unacceptable” and refers the incident to its disciplinary committee for investigation.
OTN News observes that a journalist who covered the tournament in Morocco, Sulaiman Adebayo, popularly known as Pooja, confirmed that the sanctions in a social media post, stating: “CAF impose heavy sanctions on Algeria for misconduct against Nigeria.”
According to him, the penalties include match bans for players as well as multiple fines for improper conduct, bad behaviour, the use of flares, objects thrown by fans, breaches of safety measures and offensive gestures.
In an announcement earlier this week, the Algerian Football Federation acknowledges that CAF fines the national team a total of $100,000.
The federation explained that the sanctions relate to players’ behaviour that led to multiple bookings, the conduct of some players and officials after the match, the use of flares by supporters, objects thrown by fans, failure to comply with security regulations, and offensive behaviour involving fans and some media personnel.
CAF also imposed sporting sanctions on individual players. Defender Rafik Belghali received a four-match suspension, with two matches to be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane is handed a two-match ban, which will be enforced in the next AFCON qualifying campaign.
Reacting to the decision, the Algerian federation said it has already begun moves to challenge the sanctions.
“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 federation stated.
OTN News further observes that the sanctions against Algeria came as CAF intensified its stance against indiscipline at its competitions.
OTN Need recalls that the football governing body recently condemned what it described as “unacceptable behaviour” by some players and officials following the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal.
Furthermore, in a statement issued on Monday, CAF lamented the chaotic scenes that occur during and after the final played in Rabat on Sunday night. Although the body does not specify the individuals involved, it said that the conduct targets match officials and tournament organizers.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers,” the statement read.
Furthermore, CAF confirmed that it is reviewing all available footage from the match and will refer the matter to the relevant disciplinary bodies, warning that sanctions will be imposed on anyone found to have violated its regulations.
The AFCON final, one of the most high-profile fixtures on the African football calendar, drawed massive attention across the continent.
CAF, however, reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline, respect and fair play at all its competitions, stressing that misconduct before, during or after matches will not be tolerated.
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