The ax has fallen. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) unveiled this Wednesday, January 21, the sanctions addressed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the incidents which marred the end of the quarter-final of the CAN 2025 between the Fennecs and Nigeria, on January 10 (0-2). Particularly eventful, the outcome of the meeting was marked by a scuffle between players, notably involving Luca Zidane. Tensions continued in the locker room, with several Algerian players heckling referee Issa Sy, contesting his decisions during the game.
While an investigation was opened the day after the events, the CAF decided to sanction the FAF. The latter will have to pay a total fine of $100,000 to compensate for several violations of the Disciplinary Code established by the governing body of African football. The most important of these goes up to 50,000 dollars and was decided following “offensive and abusive gestures (display of bank notes) committed by (the Algerian supporters) against the referees of the match”.
Due to “the inappropriate behavior of certain players and officials following the match, having brought the match into disrepute”, CAF also imposed a fine of $25,000 against the Federation.
Luca Zidane suspended for two matches
In the individual department, Luca Zidane, seen in a rage on the lawn of the Grand Stade de Marrakech after the match, will pay dearly for his anger, he who had notably grabbed the Nigerian Raphael Onyedika by the jersey. The Fennecs goalkeeper received a two-match suspension. Fortunately for Zinedine’s son, the sanction will not apply to the World Cup matches that Algeria will play in the summer of 2026, but to the first qualifying matches for CAN 2027. The two inaugural days will take place from September 21 to 30.
Very vehement against the refereeing body, which he tried to pursue to the locker room, the right side Rafik Belghali was also sanctioned. With four games suspended, two of which are suspended, the 23-year-old defender will also miss the Greens’ rally in September.
Note that the FAF does not intend to stop there and announced that it had “immediately initiated the appeal procedure provided for by the regulations in force in order to challenge these sanctions”. The body “will follow the development of this matter with the greatest attention and reaffirm its determination to defend the interests of Algerian football, in strict compliance with regulatory and institutional channels. »
