FIFA has opened an investigation into the quarter-final match between Algeria and Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a formal complaint from the Algerian Football Federation, following a game overshadowed by disputed refereeing decisions.
Nigeria won the match 2-0 to progress to the semi-finals, but the result triggered strong objections from Algeria, who lodged a complaint with both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football. The Algerian federation cited several incidents they believe influenced the outcome of the tie.
Central to the complaint stands a decision taken in the 13th minute, when Algeria appealed for a penalty after a Nigerian handball inside the box.
The referee waved play on, a call that Algeria later described as one of multiple critical errors.
The use of the Video Assistant Referee also came under scrutiny, with Algerian officials alleging mistakes in its application during the match.
The complaint extended beyond refereeing calls. Algerian officials also criticised the conduct of Senegalese player Issa Sy, who refused to shake hands with Algerian players at the final whistle.
The incident added to tensions surrounding the match and featured prominently in the dossier submitted to the authorities.
More seriously, the Algerian federation accused an assistant referee of directing racist remarks towards winger Anis Hadj-Moussa.
According to sources familiar with the case, these allegations prompted FIFA to treat the matter with heightened urgency.
FIFA’s refereeing committee, chaired by Pierluigi Collina, has now begun reviewing the decisions and reported incidents from the match.
The examination carries additional weight as the referee involved remains among the candidates to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, increasing scrutiny on the handling of the game.
The Algerian Football Federation said it expects the investigation to result in a “fair” outcome and to help restore sporting equity after what it views as a deeply flawed contest.
While the federation has not called for the match result to be overturned, it has emphasised the need for accountability and transparency.
CAF has also taken steps of its own, requesting explanations regarding the behaviour of certain players towards the referee during the encounter.
Algeria has responded by submitting a detailed file defending its actions and reiterating its concerns.
As FIFA’s review continues, the case has become one of the most significant off-field issues of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, raising renewed questions about refereeing standards, the use of VAR and player conduct at the continent’s premier tournament.
