The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a series of sanctions against Algeria following incidents that occurred during the Algeria-Nigeria match on January 10, 2026, a quarter-final encounter in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The decisions have sparked widespread controversy and outrage among Algerian football fans.
The penalties imposed by CAF are as follows:
- Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been suspended for two matches, effective during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Defender Rafik Belghali receives a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended, also applicable during the CAN 2027 qualifiers.
- A fine of $5,000 USD has been levied due to unsportsmanlike conduct by the national team, following five players receiving yellow cards, violating Article 130 of the Disciplinary Code.
- A $25,000 USD fine has been imposed for inappropriate behavior by some players and officials after the match, allegedly damaging the image of the game.
- A $5,000 USD fine for the use of fireworks by supporters inside the stadium.
- A $5,000 USD fine for throwing projectiles.
- A $10,000 USD fine for failure to respect security measures, after some supporters attempted to breach barriers.
- A substantial $50,000 USD fine for actions described as insulting and offensive, involving the display of banknotes towards the match officials.
Observers suggest these penalties are part of a systematic targeting, reflecting a clear double standard within CAF. They allege that more serious transgressions in other matches and involving other national teams are overlooked, while Algeria faces harsh and repeated sanctions, regardless of the scale or context of the incidents.
Many believe these decisions reinforce the perception that the continental body has been hijacked by influential figures, leading to a loss of neutrality and casting doubt on its decisions.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed that it has initiated the legally prescribed appeal procedures to challenge the sanctions. The FAF emphasized its commitment to defending the interests of Algerian football, while strictly adhering to regulatory and institutional frameworks. DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
