The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a total fine of $100,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for what it termed “inappropriate conduct” by Algerian players, officials, and supporters following their quarter-final exit at the Africa Cup of Nations.
CAF announced the sanctions in a statement issued on Wednesday, according to Naija News.
Algeria lost 2–0 to Nigeria at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on December 10 in the quarter-finals of the 2025 AFCON, but the encounter was marred by disorder after the final whistle.
Reports indicated that Algerian players and officials confronted match officials, accusing them of influencing the outcome of the game. CAF noted that the Algerian delegation targeted Senegalese referee Issa Sy and his officiating team, triggering tense exchanges that later escalated into a scuffle on the pitch involving some Nigerian players.
The situation worsened as referees had to be escorted off the field for their safety, with the confrontation spilling toward the technical area. Some Algerian players were seen pushing and throwing punches in the direction of the officials.
Following its investigation, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee fined the Algerian Football Federation $25,000 for the behaviour of its players and officials, which it said damaged the image of the game.
A further $15,000 fine was issued for multiple violations, including the accumulation of five yellow cards, the use of smoke bombs by supporters, and the throwing of objects from the stands.
CAF also imposed a $60,000 fine over offensive and abusive actions by Algerian fans, including the display of banknotes toward match officials and failure to adhere to security protocols 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 chaos. Rafik Belghali received a four-match ban, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane was handed a two-match suspension.
Reacting to the decision, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed it has begun an appeal process in a bid to overturn both the fines and the suspensions handed down by CAF.