CAF fines Algeria FA a total of US$95,000 for various disciplinary offences during AFCON Morocco 2025 quarterfinal match against Nigeria

* Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son to France legend, Zinedine Zidane, has been suspended for two CAF official matches for misconduct

* Along with Rafik Belghali suspended for four CAF official matches for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the referee at the end of the match

By Duncan Mlanjira

The disciplinary board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Algeria Football Federation a total of US$95,000 for various disciplinary offences committed during its national team’s during the quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Morocco 2025 against Nigeria.

The Algerians lost 0-2 to the Super Eagles in a match that the West Africans completely dominated but what was missed by ordinary eyes in terms of pitch discipline was not by CAF the relevant technical experts.

According to a statement posted on CAFonline, the disciplinary board’s determination after its suspended Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane for two CAF official matches for misconduct.

Luca, who displayed admirable talent behind the sticks in his debut appearance at the AfCON having been recently granted Algerian citizenship, is son to France national football team’s legend Zinedine Zidane — son to Algerian nationals who migrated to France.

Also suspended is Rafik Belghali for four CAF official matches for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the match referee at the end of the quarterfinal match.

However, two matches have suspended for a probationary period of one year, effective from the date of the determination, while the total US$695,000 fine imposed on the Algeria’s FA is broken down as follows:

* US$5,000 for the conduct of the national team, having received five yellow cards during the quarterfinal, in violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code;

* US$25,000 due to the inappropriate behaviour of its players and officials at the end of the match, which brought the match into disrepute, in violation of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code;

* US$5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the use of smoke devices by its supporters; and US$5,000 for the throwing of objects by its supporters;

* US$10,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for failure to comply with security measures, due to the behaviour of its supporters who attempted to force the security barriers; and

* US$50,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for offensive and abusive gestures (displaying banknotes) committed by its supporters towards the match officials.

Meanwhile, the CAF disciplinary board is yet to make its determination of the case of the “unacceptable behaviour” of some Senegal players and officials during the AfCON 2025 final between the hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday.

The continental football governing body issued a statement on Monday “strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers”.

CAF indicated that it was reviewing all footage of the final matches standoff to refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.

A week earlier, the CAF disciplinary board slapped a fine of US$20,000 to Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) for its president, Samuel Eto’o Fils’ misconduct following his conduct during his national team’s match against Morocco on January 9.

In its statement on CAFonline, the disciplinary board indicated that Eto’o was guilty of violating the principles of sportsmanship set out in Article 2(3) of the CAF Statutes and Article 82 of the CAF Disciplinary Code for his misconduct during that match.

The disciplinary Board also imposed a stadium ban on Eto’o for the next four official CAF matches played in the context of the AfCON Morocco 2025. However, hosts ousted Cameroon from the tournament.

According to the BBC Africa Sport, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making an angry gesture over some of the decisions taken by the officials as the Indomitable Lions lost 2-0 to the tournament hosts.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was also in attendance in the stadium in Rabat, appeared to have witnessed Eto’o’s frustration and the following day, the continent’s governing body announced it was launching an investigation into “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during quarterfinal.

The BBC Sport reported that response, FECAFOOT rejected CAF’s decision, describing the process as one that “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial”.

FECAFOOT also indicated expressing support for its president in a statement last Wednesday, while suggesting Eto’o would appeal against the sanction.

According to the BBC Sport, since assuming his role in in 2021, Eto’o’s image as a legend of the game has been dented by controversy and scandals as he has faced accusations of improper conduct and poor management, with some football stakeholders also complaining of grave irregularities within FECAFOOT.

He has often rejected such allegations, touting his achievements at the helm of the organisation.—Additional reporting by the BBC Sport