AFCON 2025: CAF Slams Sanctions On Algeria After Nigeria Clash

DISCIPLINARY RULING FOCUS

THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of disciplinary sanctions on Algeria’s national team players and the Algerian Football Federation following misconduct recorded during and after their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 match against Nigeria on 10 January.

In a decision released on Wednesday 21 January 2026, CAF said its Disciplinary Board reviewed reports relating to player behaviour, post-match incidents and crowd disturbances at the fixture.

According to the ruling, Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane was suspended for two official CAF matches for misconduct. Defender Rafik Belghali received a four-match suspension for aggressive and intimidating behaviour directed at the match referee after the final whistle. CAF, however, placed two of Belghali’s suspended matches on probation for a one-year period, effective from the date of the decision.

The Algerian Football Federation was fined a total of USD 100,000 for multiple breaches of CAF regulations. This included a USD 5,000 fine for accumulating five yellow cards during the match, in violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

CAF also imposed a USD 25,000 fine for inappropriate conduct by Algeria’s players and officials after the match, citing Articles 82 and 83, which relate to behaviour that brings the competition into disrepute.

Supporter-related offences attracted further penalties, including fines for the use of smoke devices, throwing of objects, failure to comply with security measures, and offensive gestures toward match officials.

CAF said the sanctions underline its commitment to discipline, safety and the integrity of AFCON matches.