CAF Slams Algeria with Heavy Fines Following AFCON Chaos

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a stern disciplinary blow to the Algerian Football Federation, imposing a staggering $100,000 in total fines following the explosive aftermath of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final exit. The sanctions come in response to what the governing body described as the “inappropriate behavior” of Algerian players, officials, and supporters during and after their high-stakes clash against Nigeria.

The encounter, which saw the Super Eagles of Nigeria triumph with a 2-0 victory at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on December 10, ended not with the usual exchange of jerseys, but with scenes of aggression and disorder. As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere in Marrakech turned volatile, overshadowing a significant sporting milestone for the Nigerian side and casting a shadow over the tournament’s integrity.

Reports from the venue detailed a breakdown in order as members of the Algerian contingent reportedly surrounded the officiating team. The primary target of their ire was Senegalese referee Issa Sy and his assistants. Accusations of bias and poor decision-making fueled a confrontation that quickly escalated from verbal dissent into a physical on-field brawl.

The chaos was not limited to the Algerian side and the officials; the friction inevitably drew in Nigerian players, leading to a sprawling melee on the pitch. Security personnel were forced to intervene rapidly, forming a protective ring around the referees to escort them to safety. The tension followed the teams toward the dugout, where some Algerian players were observed throwing punches and pushing officials in a desperate display of frustration.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee broke down the financial penalties. A base fine of $25,000 was levied against the Algerian Football Federation for conduct that brought the game into disrepute. This reflects the governing body’s zero-tolerance policy toward the intimidation of match officials and the loss of on-field discipline.

The financial burden grew heavier with an additional $15,000 fine for a series of technical and behavioral infractions. These included the accumulation of five yellow cards by the Algerian squad during the match—a clear indicator of the physical and psychological pressure of the contest—as well as the use of smoke bombs and the throwing of projectiles by supporters in the stands.

Perhaps most damaging to the Algerian Federation’s reputation was the $60,000 fine specifically targeting the behavior of the fans. CAF cited offensive and abusive gestures from the Algerian stands, including the provocative display of banknotes aimed at the referees. This gesture, often used in football to imply bribery or corruption, is considered a grave violation of sportsmanship. Furthermore, fans were cited for failing to comply with security protocols and attempting to breach safety barriers.

Beyond the monetary penalties, individual players have been singled out for their roles in the fracas. Rafik Belghali has been handed a four-match suspension, a significant blow to the team’s defensive depth for upcoming international windows. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane was also hit with a two-match ban, meaning both players will miss crucial upcoming fixtures.

The Algerian Football Federation has not taken the ruling lightly. In a swift response, the body confirmed it has officially initiated an appeal process. The federation is seeking to either overturn or significantly reduce the fines and suspensions, likely arguing that the emotions of the high-stakes knockout match were not adequately considered in the ruling.

For Nigeria, the victory remains a highlight of their 2025 campaign, but the administrative fallout serves as a reminder of the rising tensions in North-South African football rivalries. As CAF seeks to maintain the brand image of its flagship tournament, this $100,000 penalty serves as a loud warning to all participating nations regarding the consequences of failing to control both the bench and the bleachers.

This incident marks one of the heaviest disciplinary actions taken by CAF in recent years during a major tournament. It underscores a renewed commitment to protecting match officials and ensuring that the Africa Cup of Nations remains a safe environment for players and fans alike. The football world now waits to see if the appeals committee will show any leniency or if the “Desert Warriors” will be forced to pay the full price for their Marrakech meltdown.