FIFA has launched an investigation into the Algerian Football Federation’s formal complaint regarding the officiating during their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Nigeria. The game, which saw Algeria eliminated after a 2-0 defeat, was marred by controversial refereeing decisions, sparking widespread outrage among Algerian fans and analysts.
Key among the contentious incidents was the apparent denial of a penalty in the 13th minute following a handball inside the Nigerian penalty area. Critics argue that the referee failed to award a clear penalty, significantly impacting the flow and outcome of the match.
The end of the match witnessed heightened tensions, with Algerian players protesting the performance of Senegalese referee Issa Sy. Refusal to shake hands with players was deemed disrespectful and further inflamed the Algerian camp. The official complaint lodged by the Algerian federation to both continental and international bodies details several alleged instances of refereeing malpractice.
These include the failure of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) to intervene in crucial moments, potentially altering the course of the game. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Algerian player Anis Hadj Moussa was subjected to racist abuse by an assistant referee, a serious accusation that FIFA is expected to address with utmost severity.
FIFA’s arbitration committee has begun reviewing the details of the complaint, scrutinizing the performance of referee Issa Sy and the conduct of his entire officiating team. The role of VAR in managing the match is also under close examination.
The outcome of this investigation could lead to disciplinary actions against the referee involved, and it could also initiate a broader discussion about the standard of refereeing in major continental tournaments. This investigation offers a potential avenue for addressing the concerns of Algerian football fans and stakeholders, and it may lead to significant changes in how officiating is handled in future competitions. DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
