AFCON: CAF fines Algerian FA $100,000, suspends players over misconduct after Nigeria clash

CAF logo

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Algerian Football Federation $100,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour” of its national team’s players and officials after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match against Nigeria.

CAF announced the sanction in a statement on Wednesday.

Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in the quarter-final of the 2025 AFCON on December 10.After the match, the Algerian players and officials singled out Issa Sy, the Senegalese referee, and his team as the culprits behind the underwhelming performance.

The Algerians confronted the match officials, and their aggression escalated into a massive on-field brawl that included a couple of Nigerian players.

The referees had to be escorted off the pitch by a team of officials to protect them from the Algerian squad’s anger. The drama continued and spilt into the dugout, where some Algerian players were seen pushing and punching their way toward what seemed like the match officials.

In its ruling on the matter, the CAF disciplinary committee fined Algeria $25,000 for the actions of the country’s players and officials at the end of the match, which brought discredit upon the match.

The Algerian FA was handed an additional $15,000 fine for offences including players receiving five yellow cards during the match, the use of smoke bombs by its supporters, and the throwing of objects by its supporters.