- CAF fines Algeria heavily over player, official, and fan misconduct after Nigeria defeat
- Multiple bans handed to Algerian players, including goalkeeper Luca Zidane
- Algeria FA rejects the ruling, plans to challenge CAF’s decision
- Senegal may also face punishment after controversial AFCON final protest
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed severe sanctions on Algeria following a series of misconduct incidents that marred their 0–2 quarterfinal defeat to Nigeria at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). CAF described the behaviour of Algerian players, officials, and supporters as actions that brought the game into disrepute.
CAF said its disciplinary action was triggered by what it called “condescending and unsporting conduct” displayed during and after the tense quarterfinal encounter that ended Algeria’s AFCON campaign, a tournament eventually won by Senegal.
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In a detailed statement, CAF confirmed that Algeria was fined $25,000 for the inappropriate conduct of its players and officials. An additional $5,000 fine was imposed for their involvement in a general brawl after the match.
The behaviour of Algerian supporters also attracted stiff penalties. CAF fined the country $50,000 for offensive gestures directed at match officials, $10,000 for attempted pitch invasion, and $5,000 for the use of smoke inside the stadium.
CAF further imposed another $50,000 fine after fans displayed banknotes in the stands, an act CAF said was meant to suggest corruption within the football body. The gesture was described as “offensive and abusive” by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee.
Beyond financial penalties, several Algerian players were sanctioned. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match suspension for his physical confrontation with Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, ruling him out of the opening fixtures of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Right-back Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match ban, with two matches suspended, after being found guilty of threatening match officials.
Reacting to the verdict, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) criticized CAF’s decision, insisting the sanctions were excessive and unfair.
“We believe the ruling does not reflect the reality of events and will formally appeal the sanctions,” the FAF said in a statement.
CAF is also expected to deliberate on possible sanctions against Senegal following their controversial protest during the AFCON final against Morocco. Senegal players walked off the pitch for 17 minutes after a penalty was awarded against them.
Although Senegal returned to complete the match, which they went on to win; both CAF and FIFA condemned the action, describing it as damaging to the image of African football.