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Thursday, January 22, 2026

CAF fines Algeria $100,000; hands match bans to players over AFCON fracas against Nigeria

Algeria also received a $5,000 fine for objects thrown by fans.

• January 21, 2026
On-field brawl between Algeria and Nigerian players
On-field brawl between Algeria and Nigerian players [Credit: Flashscore]

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) a total of $100,000 and issued match bans to players following the team’s conduct after the 2–0 loss to Nigeria in their quarter-final match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Following the full-time whistle in the high-profile encounter, the atmosphere quickly degenerated into disorder as several Algerian players engaged in an on-field brawl with members of the Super Eagles squad, while others pursued match officials from the pitch into the tunnel.

These scenes, which CAF described as ‘unacceptable’, prompted the body to refer the matter to its disciplinary committee for investigation.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the FAF revealed that CAF imposed a $100,000 fine on the national team, including $5,000 for players’ behaviour leading to multiple bookings, $25,000 for the conduct of some players and officials after the match, and $5,000 for the use of flares by fans.

Algeria also received a $5,000 fine for objects thrown by fans, $10,000 for failure to comply with security regulations, and $50,000 for the behaviour of fans and some media personnel.

In addition, defender Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match suspension, with two matches to be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane also received a two-match suspension, which will likewise be served during the next AFCON qualifiers.

Reacting to the verdict, the Algerian federation said it was closely monitoring developments surrounding the case and had immediately filed an appeal to overturn the decisions.

“Following these decisions, the Algerian FA immediately initiated the appeals process stipulated by the regulations in order to contest these sanctions. The FA will follow developments in this case very closely,” the federation said.

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