African football’s governing body has launched an inquiry into violent incidents following Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after the Algerian federation lodged a formal complaint over refereeing decisions and post-match clashes that marred the tournament’s image.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the probe into “intolerable acts and violations of applicable rules” during and after Saturday’s match in Marrakech, including altercations among journalists from Morocco and Algeria that circulated widely online.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) decried the officiating by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, stating: “We cannot overlook the refereeing decisions in the last match, which raised questions and left widespread dissatisfaction, as they undermined the credibility of African refereeing and do not serve the image of African football on the international stage.”
It added: “Accordingly, we have contacted CAF, as well as FIFA, by filing an official complaint accompanied by a request to open an investigation, in order to clarify what happened and take appropriate measures in accordance with the applicable regulations.”
CAF pledged to examine the events thoroughly, amid broader concerns over security and media conduct in the 2025 edition hosted by Morocco, where Nigeria advanced to face the hosts in the semi-finals.
No immediate comment was available from FIFA or the referee, as the investigation proceeds ahead of the tournament’s conclusion on January 18.
