CAF punishes Algeria after incidents in Nigeria clash at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
CAF has handed down a record punishment to the Algeria national team.
Details: The Confederation of African Football has imposed a $100,000 fine on the Algerian Football Federation after the team's 0-2 defeat to Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The record punishment was issued due to a series of incidents, including aggressive behavior from players and team officials after the final whistle, crowd trouble involving smoke flares in the stands, as well as reported assaults in the press area.
On an individual level, defender Rafik Belghali received a four-match ban, two of which are suspended, ruling him out for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has also been suspended for two matches in the upcoming qualification campaign.
Reminder: Álvaro Arbeloa came to the defense of Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz, who missed a penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
