The Algerian Football Federation is preparing to escalate its dispute with the Confederation of African Football, with a potential appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport looming after a raft of disciplinary sanctions linked to Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal defeat to Nigeria.
Senior sources indicate that Algeria’s governing body is ready to exhaust all legal avenues if CAF upholds the punishments imposed following the 2025 AFCON encounter, which was played amid controversy both on and off the pitch.
While the federation has formally lodged its objections within CAF’s disciplinary framework, the threat of taking the case to CAS in Switzerland now hangs heavily over the process.
Heavy sanctions spark backlash
CAF’s Disciplinary Committee handed down financial penalties amounting to $100,000, alongside sporting sanctions targeting key members of the Algerian squad. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane was suspended for two matches in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while right-back Rafik Belghali received a four-match ban, with two of those games suspended.
The Algerian FA has expressed strong dissatisfaction with both the scale and substance of the punishments, arguing that they are disproportionate and damaging to the national team’s competitive prospects.
Officials believe the sanctions extend beyond acceptable disciplinary limits and warrant a robust legal response.
Legal route already mapped out
According to sources familiar with the matter, Algeria will first pursue a formal appeal within CAF, challenging both the financial fines and the individual suspensions.
Should CAF decline to revise its decision, the federation is prepared to take the case to CAS, a move that would significantly raise the stakes in the dispute.
Such an approach would not be unprecedented. Algeria previously turned to CAS in a high-profile case involving USM Alger and Morocco’s RS Berkane during the 2023–24 CAF Confederation Cup, ultimately securing a ruling in its favour.
That outcome has strengthened confidence within the federation that an international arbitration route can deliver results.
Wider disciplinary net at AFCON 2025
Algeria’s situation also forms part of a broader disciplinary crackdown during the tournament.
CAF sanctioned several high-profile figures, including Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto’o, who was suspended for four matches, as well as Egypt internationals Marwan Attia and Salah Mohsen, both handed two-match bans.
