The controversy surrounding CAF’s tough sanctions against the Algerian national team continues to dominate football discussions, days after the official details were made public and triggered widespread outrage across the continent.
The decision has provoked strong reactions within Algerian football circles, prompting the Algerian Football Federation to announce the launch of formal appeal procedures before CAF’s judicial bodies.
The federation considers several of the penalties excessive and unjustified, a stance that has been echoed loudly by fans and sections of the media.
Criticism has intensified in recent days, with prominent voices weighing in on the issue. Algerian journalist Hafid Derradji described the rulings as “angerous, astonishing, and ridiculous,” warning that such measures could negatively affect player morale and disrupt preparations for upcoming challenges, particularly with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
The sanctions handed down by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee include player suspensions and significant financial penalties imposed on the Algerian Football Federation.
These measures stem from various incidents, including team misconduct reflected in multiple yellow cards, inappropriate behavior by players and officials after the final whistle, the throwing of projectiles by supporters, and the use of flares in the stands.
As part of the ruling, goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match suspension, while defender Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match ban, with two matches suspended.
These sanctions are set to be enforced during the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a development that could complicate Algeria’s plans in the coming years. In addition, the federation was fined for improper conduct following the accumulation of yellow cards, for actions deemed damaging to the image of the match, and for several security-related breaches involving supporters, bringing the total financial penalties to figures reported to be as high as $100,000.
CAF impose heavy sanctions on Algeria for misconduct against Nigeria;
—Zidane, 2 match ban
—Belghali, 2 match ban
—€5k fine, improper conduct
—€25k fine, bad behaviour
—€5k fine, use of flares
—€5k fine, objects thrown by fans
—€10k fine, breached safety measures
—€50k… pic.twitter.com/1JkVuBQxjJ— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) January 21, 2026
In response, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed that it has begun the appeal process in line with CAF regulations. In an official statement, the FAF stressed its determination to defend the interests of Algerian football while maintaining respect for established legal and institutional frameworks.
Despite the escalating dispute, fears that the sanctions could spill over into the global stage appear to be easing. According to French magazine Onze Mondial, it is highly unlikely that the penalties will be extended beyond the continental level to affect the 2026 World Cup qualifiers or finals.
The publication noted that although CAF may have the legal option to request an extension through FIFA, the most probable outcome is that the case remains confined within Africa, especially as the Algerian federation has already moved to challenge the decisions before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Onze Mondial further reported that CAF has not yet taken a final decision on whether to involve FIFA in expanding the scope of the suspensions imposed on Belghali and Zidane, despite the heavy financial fines placed on the federation. Such a move, the magazine suggested, could place CAF in an awkward position internationally if the appeals process advances.
Attention has also turned to Senegal, with the magazine indicating that an international extension of sanctions may be a more realistic scenario in the Senegalese case, following incidents linked to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. In contrast, Algeria’s situation is viewed as less likely to reach that level of escalation.
CAF impose heavy sanctions on Algeria for misconduct against Nigeria;
—Zidane, 2 match ban
—Belghali, 2 match ban
—€5k fine, improper conduct
—€25k fine, bad behaviour
—€5k fine, use of flares
—€5k fine, objects thrown by fans
—€10k fine, breached safety measures
—€50k… pic.twitter.com/1JkVuBQxjJ— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) January 21, 2026
The Senegal coach is asking his players to leave the pitch as a protest against the referee’s decision to award penalty to Morocco 🇲🇦. Chaos in the 2025 AFCON final#SENMAR pic.twitter.com/YRpun7XxsY
— Chris (@Eguchris1) January 18, 2026
For now, CAF appears keen to calm tensions after the intense controversy that surrounded the recent tournament in Morocco.
Meanwhile, Algerian FA president Walid Sadi remains firm in his resolve to pursue the legal battle, determined to defend the position of “the Greens” and challenge the continental body both within Africa and on the international stage.
