The Algerian Football Federation has announced the sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football Disciplinary Committee following the incidents that occurred during the quarterfinal encounter between Algeria and Nigeria, played on January 10, 2026 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF's Disciplinary Committee has ruled that goalkeeper Luca Zidane is to be suspended for two matches, to be served during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Defender Rafik Belghali has received a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended, also to be enforced during the same qualifying campaign.

In addition, CAF has fined the FAF $5,000 for inappropriate behaviour after Algerian players received five yellow cards during the match, constituting a violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

A further fine of $25,000 was imposed on the Federation for inappropriate conduct by certain players and officials following the final whistle.

CAF deemed these actions detrimental to the image of the match, in breach of Articles 82 and 83 of the Disciplinary Code.

The sanctions also include several fines related to supporter misconduct: $5,000 for the use of smoke bombs, $5,000 for the throwing of projectiles, and $10,000 for failure to comply with security regulations after some supporters attempted to force their way through stadium barriers.

Moreover, the Disciplinary Committee imposed a substantial fine of $50,000 for offensive and insulting gestures made by some Algerian supporters towards the match officials, including the brandishing of banknotes.

In its concluding statement, the FAF confirmed that it would immediately initiate an appeal process in accordance with the applicable regulations, and affirmed its commitment to closely monitoring the case in order to defend the interests of Algerian football, while fully respecting all regulatory and institutional procedures.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel