The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) $100,000 and suspended players following indiscipline violations that marred Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match against Algeria.
Related article: AFCON 2025: CAF investigates irregularities in Nigeria vs. Algeria quarter-final match
The sanction followed a detailed disciplinary review into incidents that occurred during and after the match at the 2025 AFCON on January 10, 2026.
Algeria lost 0-2, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akol Adams in the second half.
Related article: AFCON 2025: Osimhen and Adams shine as Nigeria defeats Algeria to advance to semi-finals
CAF announced that Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane and defender Rafik Bergari have been suspended for their involvement in the post-match disturbance.
Zidane was given a two-match suspension, while Bergari was given a four-match suspension, two of which were suspended. Both sanctions are expected to be applied during 2027 AFCON qualifying.
The Algerian Football Association announced on Wednesday that it had appealed the ruling.
After the final whistle, tensions escalated due to Algeria’s frustration with their penalty being denied even though the match was still goalless. Scuffles broke out between players and officials from both teams, with Algerian supporters accused of trying to invade the pitch and showing banknotes to match officials.
The Algerian Football Association said in an official statement:
“The Algerian Football Federation would like to inform the public of the decision taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee regarding the incident that occurred during the 2025 African Cup of Nations quarter-final match between Algeria and Nigeria on January 10, 2026.”
CAF outlined the breakdown of the sanctions as follows:
$5,000 for inappropriate conduct of the Algerian national team after five players were cautioned for violating Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Law.
$25,000 for inappropriate conduct by players and officials after the match that is deemed to bring the match into disrepute, contrary to Articles 82 and 83.
$5,000 for use of smoke bombs by supporters.
$5,000 for items thrown onto the pitch.
$10,000 if a supporter fails to comply with security measures after attempting to breach a security barrier.
$50,000 for aggressive and abusive conduct, particularly displaying banknotes towards match officials.
CAF said the cumulative sanctions underline its determination to crack down on conduct that undermines the credibility, security and image of African football.
