The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Algerian players Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali for their roles in the confrontation that followed Algeria’s 2-0 quarter-final loss to Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tensions boiled over after the final whistle in a match decided by second-half goals from Nigeria's Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a contentious penalty decision that was denied Algeria earlier in the game.
CAF’s disciplinary committee has imposed a four-match ban on goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane. Defender Rafik Belghali received a two-match suspension. Both sanctions will be served during Algeria’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, which begins in September.
In addition to the player bans, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has been fined $100,000 for the "improper conduct of its players, team officials, and supporters" during the incident. The FAF has announced its intention to appeal the sanctions.