—– warns that further violations would attract even stiffer sanctions.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released disciplinary sanctions and fines against the Algerian national team and its players following incidents of misconduct during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
The sanctions come after multiple complaints from players and member associations over unsporting behaviour witnessed during several matches at the tournament, particularly the AFCON final between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat, as well as the round of 16 clash between Algeria and Nigeria.
In a statement published on its official website earlier this week, CAF described the actions of some players, officials and supporters as “unacceptable,” stressing its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct during official competitions.
“The Confédération Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat,” CAF stated.
The continental football body further condemned actions directed at match officials and organisers, noting that it had reviewed available footage from matches across the tournament and referred confirmed cases to its disciplinary organs.
Following deliberations, the CAF Disciplinary Board met to consider incidents arising from the Algeria versus Nigeria match played on 10 January 2026. On Wednesday, the Board issued a communiqué detailing its decisions.
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane was suspended for two CAF official matches with the national team for misconduct. Defender Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match suspension for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the match referee at the end of the encounter, with two matches suspended for a one-year probationary period.
In addition to player sanctions, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) was fined a total of USD 100,000 for various violations. CAF imposed a USD 5,000 fine for accumulating five yellow cards during the match, and a USD 25,000 fine for the inappropriate conduct of players and officials, which brought the match into disrepute.
Further fines included USD 5,000 for the use of smoke devices by Algerian supporters, USD 5,000 for throwing objects, and USD 10,000 for failing to comply with security measures after supporters attempted to breach security barriers.
CAF also imposed a hefty USD 50,000 fine on the Algerian Football Federation for offensive and abusive gestures by supporters, including the display of banknotes directed at match officials.
CAF reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline, respect and fair play at all its competitions.