CAF Drops Heavy Sanctions on Algeria After Nigeria Clash
21 January 2026
CAF Broad Sanctions Hit Algeria After Nigeria Clash
CAF warned the Algerian Football Federation with sanctions over the Algeria-Nigeria quarterfinal at AFCON.
The Algeria national team exited AFCON with a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria.
CAF penalties include suspending goalkeeper Luka Zidan and defender Rafik Belghali during AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
The Algerian federation has begun an appeal against the sanctions.
The penalties are as follows:
Two-match suspension for Luka Zidan, goalkeeper, in AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Rafik Belghali, defender, four matches (two suspended) in AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
USD 5,000 fine for unsporting conduct after four yellow cards.
USD 25,000 fine for acts after the match that damaged the image.
USD 5,000 fine for crowd pyrotechnics.
USD 5,000 fine for throwing objects by fans.
USD 10,000 fine for security breaches by fans.
USD 50,000 fine for insulting acts by fans, including lifting cash toward referees.
Punchline 1: If penalties counted as goals, CAF would be the top scorer.
Punchline 2: At this pace, Algeria will collect more fines than fans.
