African football’s governing body has slapped Algeria with a $100,000 fine and suspended two players for their roles in a post-match melee following the Desert Foxes’ defeat to Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, the Algerian federation confirmed Wednesday amid plans to appeal.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) deemed the incidents “unacceptable” after Algerian players clashed with Nigerian opponents and chased referees into the tunnel at the end of the 2-0 loss during the 2025 tournament.
Breakdowns of the penalty included $5,000 for excessive bookings, $25,000 for player and official misconduct post-game, $5,000 each for fan-thrown objects and flare usage, $10,000 for security lapses, and $50,000 for supporter and media behavior.
Defender Rafik Belghali faces a four-match ban, with half to be served in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-game suspension also applicable to the upcoming preliminaries.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) expressed dissatisfaction with the rulings, vowing to challenge them through official channels.
“Following these decisions, the Algerian FA immediately initiated the appeals process stipulated by the regulations in order to contest these sanctions,” the FAF said in a statement. “The FA will follow developments in this case very closely.”
The altercation marred what had been a tense encounter in the prestigious continental competition, prompting CAF’s disciplinary panel to intervene swiftly after reviewing footage and reports.
Nigeria advanced in the tournament, but no sanctions were mentioned against the Super Eagles in the announcement.
