The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has come down hard on the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), slapping the body with a $100,000 fine and suspending two players following misconduct during and after Algeria’s AFCON quarter-final loss to Nigeria.
Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over the North Africans was overshadowed by post-match chaos, prompting CAF’s Disciplinary Committee to investigate incidents involving players, officials and supporters.
In its ruling, CAF fined the Algerian FA for multiple breaches, including improper conduct by players and officials, failure to control team behaviour, crowd disturbances, and abusive actions directed at match officials.
The sanctions also included player suspensions. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane was handed a two-match ban, while defender Rafik Belghali received a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended. Both punishments will be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
CAF said the decision reflects its zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline, stressing the need to protect match officials and uphold the integrity of African football.
The Algerian Football Federation has since confirmed it will appeal the ruling, insisting the sanctions are excessive.
The ruling reinforces CAF’s warning that misconduct—on or off the pitch—will attract stiff consequences, especially at high-profile continental fixtures.
