CAF Slaps Algeria With Heavy Sanctions Over Players’ Misconduct

The CAF Disciplinary Board has issued a series of sanctions following its meeting to review incidents arising from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 match between Algeria and Nigeria, played on 10 January 2026.

After examining the reports and evidence submitted, the Board reached the following decisions:

Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been suspended for two (2) CAF official matches with the national team for misconduct.

Algeria defender Rafik Belghali has been handed a four (4) match suspension from CAF official competitions with the national team for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the match referee at the conclusion of the fixture.

However, two (2) of those matches have been suspended, subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, effective from the date of the decision.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has also been fined USD 5,000 for the conduct of its senior national team, which received five (5) yellow cards during the match, in breach of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

An additional USD 25,000 fine has been imposed on the FAF for the inappropriate behaviour of players and officials after the match, actions which were deemed to have brought the game into disrepute, in violation of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

Furthermore, the FAF has been fined USD 5,000 for the use of smoke devices by its supporters and another USD 5,000 for the throwing of objects from the stands.

A further USD 10,000 fine was levied for failure to comply with security regulations, following attempts by supporters to breach security barriers.

Finally, the CAF Disciplinary Board imposed a USD 50,000 fine on the Algerian Football Federation for offensive and abusive gestures made by supporters towards match officials, including the display of banknotes.