A scene during the match
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of sanctions on Algerian players and the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) following disciplinary breaches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been handed a two-match suspension for unsporting behaviour, with the ban set to be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Defender Rafik Belghali has also been punished with a four-match suspension, although two of those matches have been suspended, meaning he will effectively miss two qualifiers unless further offences trigger the remaining ban.
In addition to the individual sanctions, CAF fined the FAF $5,000 after Algerian players picked up five yellow cards in a single match, an infringement of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
CAF further imposed a $25,000 fine on the federation for misconduct by players and officials after the final whistle, actions the governing body said undermined the integrity of the game under Articles 82 and 83 of the Code.
Supporter-related offences also attracted heavy penalties. The FAF was fined $5,000 each for the use of smoke bombs and for the throwing of objects, while a $10,000 fine was added for security breaches after supporters attempted to force their way through stadium barriers. An additional $50,000 fine was issued for offensive gestures by fans towards match officials, including the display of banknotes.
In response to the rulings, the Algerian FA confirmed it would immediately file an appeal in accordance with CAF regulations and vowed to closely follow the process, stressing its determination to defend the interests of Algerian football while fully respecting official procedures.
The sanctions highlight CAF’s firm stance on discipline and crowd control as it seeks to protect the integrity and image of African football.
