CAF fines Algeria heavily over gross Misconduct during a 2025 AFCON Matchup with Nigeria.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced heavy disciplinary actions against the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) due to a chaotic AFCON quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria.
Here is a summary of the events and the specific penalties issued:
The Incident: Nigeria vs. Algeria
The match, played on January 10, 2026, ended in a 2-0 victory for Nigeria, with second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Tensions boiled over after the final whistle due to Algeria’s frustration with officiating, specifically a denied penalty claim earlier in the game.
- On-Field Brawl: Several Algerian players and officials engaged in a physical altercation with Nigerian players and pursued the match referee, Issa Sy, into the tunnel.
- Crowd Trouble: Algerian supporters were cited for throwing objects, using flares, and attempting to breach security barriers to invade the pitch.
- Offensive Gestures: Fans and some personnel were found guilty of displaying banknotes toward the referees, a gesture suggesting corruption that CAF labeled as “offensive and abusive.”
Breakdown of Fines ($100,000 Total)
The financial penalties were divided into several categories of misconduct:
| Amount | Reason for Fine |
| $50,000 | Offensive gestures (displaying banknotes toward officials). |
| $25,000 | Inappropriate behavior of players/officials after the match. |
| $10,000 | Failure to comply with security regulations (pitch invasion attempts). |
| $5,000 | Improper conduct during the game (5+ yellow cards). |
| $5,000 | Use of smoke bombs/flares by supporters. |
| $5,000 | Throwing of objects by supporters. |
Player Suspensions
In addition to the fines, two key Algerian players received bans that will impact their participation in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers:
- Rafik Belghali (Defender): Handed a four-match suspension (two of which are suspended) for “relentless” behavior and pursuing officials into the locker rooms.
- Luca Zidane (Goalkeeper): Handed a two-match suspension for a physical altercation with Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
What’s Next?
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has already confirmed that it is appealing the decision, arguing that the sanctions are disproportionate. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles of Nigeria moved on to the semi-finals to face the hosts, Morocco.
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