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Algiers — The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has announced sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee following incidents that occurred during the quarterfinal match between Algeria and Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The encounter was played on January 10, 2026, and was marred by disciplinary issues involving players, officials and supporters.
According to the decision, Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been suspended for two matches, to be served during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Defender Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended, also to be enforced during the same AFCON qualifiers.
CAF further fined the FAF $5,000 for inappropriate team behaviour after Algerian players received five yellow cards during the match, a violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
An additional $25,000 fine was imposed on the federation for inappropriate conduct by certain players and officials after the final whistle, which CAF said was detrimental to the image of the match and in breach of Articles 82 and 83 of the Disciplinary Code.
The sanctions also extended to supporter misconduct, with CAF imposing fines of $5,000 for the use of smoke bombs, $5,000 for throwing projectiles, and $10,000 for failure to comply with security regulations after some supporters attempted to force their way through stadium barriers.
CAF further imposed a $50,000 fine for offensive and insulting gestures by some Algerian supporters towards match officials, including the brandishing of banknotes.
In a concluding statement, the FAF confirmed that it would immediately initiate an appeal process in line with CAF regulations, while reaffirming its commitment to defending the interests of Algerian football in full respect of all regulatory and institutional procedures.