AFCON 2025 Fallout: Algeria Hit with Heavy Fines, Player Suspensions Following Nigeria Defeat
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions against Algeria following the heated quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the disciplinary measures in a statement released more than a week after the incident, which saw tempers flare during and after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory on January 10.
Two players have been suspended as part of the ruling. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match ban after clashing with Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at the final whistle. Zidane, 27, will miss Algeria’s opening two qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON.
Right-back Rafik Belghali was hit with a four-match suspension, though two games were deferred, after aggressively confronting referee Issa Sy and his assistants from the pitch to the tunnel.
The sanctions extend beyond the players, with the FAF facing a financial penalty totaling $95,000. CAF imposed six separate fines, including $5,000 for the post-match brawl, $25,000 for misconduct by players and officials, and $65,000 for the actions of supporters.
The breakdown includes $5,000 for smoke bombs, $10,000 for an attempted pitch invasion, and $50,000 for offensive gestures by fans, who displayed banknotes in a manner suggesting referees had been bribed.
The Algerian federation has announced that it has already initiated an appeal process to contest the sanctions, citing the procedures outlined in CAF regulations.
