CAF Sanctions Algeria Over Post-Match Incidents In AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Clash With Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially sanctioned Algeria following a series of incidents that occurred during and after their AFrican Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final clash against Nigeria.

In a statement issued by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, both sporting and financial penalties were imposed on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) for misconduct involving players, officials, and supporters.

Two Algerian players have been handed suspensions that will affect future international fixtures:

Luca Zidane (goalkeeper) has been suspended for two matches, to be served during the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

Rafik Belghali received a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended, meaning he will serve two matches immediately, with the remaining two activated only in the event of further offences.

CAF also imposed fines totalling USD 100,000 on the FAF, broken down as follows:

USD 5,000 for improper team conduct related to the accumulation of yellow and red cards.

USD 25,000 for inappropriate behaviour by players and officials, and USD 5,000 for the use of flares.

USD 5,000 for throwing objects, and USD 10,000 for failure to respect security measures.

USD 50,000 for offensive gestures directed at match officials.

CAF described the incidents as serious breaches of its disciplinary and safety regulations, particularly those concerning respect for match officials and stadium security.

The Algerian Football Federation has responded by confirming that it has lodged an immediate appeal, contesting both the sporting and financial sanctions.

The FAF is expected to present its case before CAF’s Appeals Committee in the coming days. The final outcome will determine whether the suspensions and fines are upheld, reduced, or overturned as Algeria continue preparations for upcoming international competitions.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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