CAF SLAMS ALGERIA WITH HEAVY FINES AFTER QUARTER-FINAL LOSS TO NIGERIA

By: Gyang Dakwo

The Confederation of African Football has handed down stiff penalties to Algeria over actions it says damaged the image of the game during and after their quarterfinal loss to Nigeria at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF said its decision followed what it described as condescending and inappropriate conduct by Algerian players, team officials, and supporters after the 2 to 0 defeat, a result that ended Algeria’s campaign at the tournament, later won by Senegal.

As punishment, CAF fined Algeria 25,000 dollars for the conduct of its players and officials. The football body also imposed an additional 5,000 dollar fine for a general commotion that followed the match.

The Algerian supporters were also found guilty of several offences. CAF fined the country 50,000 dollars for unruly fan behaviour, including offensive gestures toward match officials. Another 10,000 dollars was added for an attempted invasion of the pitch, while 5,000 dollars was imposed for the use of smoke inside the stadium.

CAF further fined Algeria 50,000 dollars for provocations by supporters who displayed banknotes to suggest corruption within the football body. CAF described the act as offensive and abusive.

Beyond financial penalties, CAF also handed out suspensions to some Algerian players. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match ban for a physical altercation with Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele Bashiru, and as a result, he will miss the start of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Right back Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match ban, with two matches suspended, for threatening match officials.

Reacting to the sanctions, the Algerian Football Federation said the decisions were unfair and confirmed that it would appeal the rulings.

CAF is also expected to review incidents involving Senegal during the final against Morocco. Senegal is likely to face sanctions after their players walked off the pitch for 17 minutes in protest when a penalty was awarded against them.

Although Senegal later returned to complete the match and went on to win the final, both CAF and world football body FIFA condemned the action, saying it caused serious damage to the image of African football.