The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened disciplinary investigations into alleged misconduct involving players, officials and members of the media during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final matches featuring Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon and Morocco.
In a statement published on its official website on Monday, CAF confirmed that it had reviewed match officials’ reports and video footage from the quarter-final encounters and subsequently referred the incidents to its Disciplinary Board for further examination.
“CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing,” the statement said.
The continental body also disclosed that it is assessing video evidence relating to alleged misconduct by members of the media in the mixed zone area following one of the matches.
Tensions flared after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech, a result that secured the Super Eagles a place in the semi-finals. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed the win, but the closing stages of the encounter were overshadowed by chaotic scenes.
Several Algerian players were reported to have confronted match officials at the final whistle, resulting in heated exchanges on the pitch. The situation escalated as some supporters attempted to encroach onto the field of play, though stadium security intervened to restore order.
In the aftermath, the Algerian Football Federation submitted a formal protest to CAF, citing what it described as contentious officiating by Senegalese referee Issa Sy. The federation specifically referenced a first-half incident in which Algeria were denied a penalty for an alleged handball inside the Nigerian penalty area.
Elsewhere, Morocco progressed to the last four with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, but that match was similarly marred by disputes over refereeing decisions. The Cameroonian camp expressed frustration over two penalty appeals involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina, both of which were waved away by the referee.
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, rejected claims of officiating bias in favour of the host nation during his post-match press conference, insisting that the result was fair and deserved.
Reaffirming its stance on discipline and professionalism, CAF warned that it would not tolerate actions that undermine the integrity of its competitions.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers,” the statement added.
“Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened disciplinary investigations into alleged misconduct involving players, officials and members of the media during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final matches featuring Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon and Morocco.
In a statement published on its official website on Monday, CAF confirmed that it had reviewed match officials’ reports and video footage from the quarter-final encounters and subsequently referred the incidents to its Disciplinary Board for further examination.
“CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing,” the statement said.
The continental body also disclosed that it is assessing video evidence relating to alleged misconduct by members of the media in the mixed zone area following one of the matches.
Tensions flared after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech, a result that secured the Super Eagles a place in the semi-finals. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed the win, but the closing stages of the encounter were overshadowed by chaotic scenes.
Several Algerian players were reported to have confronted match officials at the final whistle, resulting in heated exchanges on the pitch.
The situation escalated as some supporters attempted to encroach onto the field of play, though stadium security intervened to restore order.
In the aftermath, the Algerian Football Federation submitted a formal protest to CAF, citing what it described as contentious officiating by Senegalese referee Issa Sy.
The federation specifically referenced a first-half incident in which Algeria were denied a penalty for an alleged handball inside the Nigerian penalty area.
Elsewhere, Morocco progressed to the last four with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, but that match was similarly marred by disputes over refereeing decisions.
The Cameroonian camp expressed frustration over two penalty appeals involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina, both of which were waved away by the referee.
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, rejected claims of officiating bias in favour of the host nation during his post-match press conference, insisting that the result was fair and deserved.
Reaffirming its stance on discipline and professionalism, CAF warned that it would not tolerate actions that undermine the integrity of its competitions.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers,” the statement added.
“Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events.”
