AFCON 2025: CAF imposes heavy sanctions on Algeria after incidents against Nigeria

The CAF disciplinary panel handed down suspensions and hefty fines to the Algerian national team and its federation following the incidents that occurred after the match against Nigeria in Marrakech.

The Confederation of African Football struck hard. Gathered to decide on the incidents that marred the match between Algeria and Nigeria, played on 10 January at the Grand Stade de Marrakech during AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the CAF Disciplinary Panel delivered a particularly severe verdict against the Algerian national team and its federation.

On the sporting side, two Algerian internationals were sanctioned. The goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match suspension in official CAF matches for a disciplinary offense. Even heavier was the sanction imposed on Rafik Belghali: four matches’ suspension for aggressive and intimidating behavior toward the referee at the end of the match. However, CAF attached two of these matches with a one-year probation, giving the player a margin of maneuver under the condition of good conduct.

But it is especially on the disciplinary and financial fronts that the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) pays the heavy price. Because of the overall behavior of the team and its surroundings, the continental body imposed a series of fines that greatly weigh on the total. The FAF was first ordered to pay $5,000 for the accumulation of five yellow cards by its players, a violation of CAF’s disciplinary code.

In addition, $25,000 for the behavior deemed inappropriate by players and officials after the final whistle, acts that, according to CAF, damaged the image of the competition. Algerian supporters were not left out: the use of pyrotechnic devices, throwing objects, attempts to force security barriers and offensive gestures toward officials — notably the display of banknotes — earned a cascade of additional sanctions.

In total, the FAF is fined a cumulative $100,000, a strong signal from CAF to underscore the need for discipline and respect around its major competitions. A decision that should leave a mark as the continent’s forthcoming milestones approach.