CAF sanctions Algeria over AFCON match with Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down official sanctions against Algeria following incidents linked to their quarter-final match against Nigeria

In a statement from CAF’s Disciplinary Board, both sporting and financial penalties were imposed on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) due to misconduct involving players, officials, and supporters during and after the game.

Sporting Sanctions
Two Algerian players received suspensions affecting upcoming international fixtures:

• Goalkeeper Luca Zidane is banned for two matches, to be served during the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
• Rafik Belghali has been handed a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended, meaning he will serve two immediately unless further violations occur.

Financial Penalties
CAF also levied fines totaling USD 100,000 against the FAF, broken down as follows:

• USD 5,000 for team misconduct related to yellow and red card accumulation
• USD 25,000 for inappropriate behavior by players and officials
• USD 5,000 for flare usage
• USD 5,000 for throwing objects
• USD 10,000 for failure to comply with security protocols
• USD 50,000 for offensive gestures directed at match officials

CAF described these violations as serious breaches of its disciplinary and safety regulations, particularly regarding respect for referees and match security.

FAF Appeals
The Algerian Football Federation has announced an immediate appeal, challenging both the sporting and financial sanctions. The case will be reviewed by CAF’s Appeals Committee in the coming days, with the outcome determining whether the suspensions and fines will be upheld or reduced.

Algeria continues to prepare for upcoming international fixtures amid the ongoing disciplinary proceedings.