AFCON: CAF Fines Algeria $100,000 Over Post-Match Chaos

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slammed the Algerian Football Federation with a total fine of $100,000 over what it described as the “inappropriate behaviour” of Algeria’s players, officials and supporters following their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final defeat to Nigeria.

Naija News reports that CAF announced the sanctions in a statement released on Wednesday.

Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on December 10 in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the match was overshadowed by chaotic scenes after the final whistle, as Algerian players and officials reportedly confronted the match officials, accusing them of contributing to their elimination.

CAF said the Algerian contingent singled out the Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, and his team, leading to heated confrontations that escalated into an on-field brawl involving some Nigerian players.

The referees were eventually escorted off the pitch by officials for their safety, as the altercation spilt towards the dugout, where some Algerian players were seen pushing and throwing punches in the direction of the match officials.

In its ruling, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee fined the Algerian Football Federation $25,000 for the conduct of its players and officials, which it said brought the game into disrepute.

An additional $15,000 fine was imposed for multiple infractions, including the accumulation of five yellow cards by Algerian players, the use of smoke bombs by supporters, and the throwing of objects from the stands.

CAF further imposed a $60,000 fine for offensive and abusive gestures by Algerian supporters, including the display of banknotes aimed at the referees, as well as for failing to comply with security measures after attempts to breach safety barriers.

Two Algerian players were also handed suspensions for their roles in the post-match fracas. Rafik Belghali was banned for four matches, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match suspension.

In a reaction, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed that it has commenced an appeal process, seeking to overturn the fines and suspensions imposed by CAF.