The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has announced a series of severe sanctions levied by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee following incidents that occurred during the quarter-final match between Algeria and Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).
The penalties include suspensions for key players. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been suspended for two matches, while defender Rafik Belghali will serve a four-match ban, with two of those matches suspended. These suspensions will take effect during the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, presenting a significant challenge for the national team’s coaching staff as they navigate the early stages of the competition without two of their established players.
Beyond player suspensions, CAF has also imposed substantial financial penalties totaling over $100,000. A fine of $75,000 has been issued due to what CAF deemed inappropriate behavior by players and officials, as well as protests by fans, including the display of (banknotes) directed at the match officials. An additional $20,000 fine was imposed as a result of the use of pyrotechnics, the throwing of projectiles, and breaches of security barriers by supporters. Finally, a $5,000 penalty was levied due to five Algerian players receiving yellow cards during the match.
In response to these penalties, the FAF has stated its intention to immediately launch a legal appeal to contest the sanctions, which they consider to be unfair and excessive. The federation released a statement affirming its commitment to defending the interests of the national team and pledged to pursue the matter with the utmost diligence in order to restore the rights of Algerian football.
