CAF has issued a statement condemning the misconduct that occurred at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The continental governing body said it has “collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating potentially unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials and has opened an investigation into match incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 quarter-final fixtures between Cameroon and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Nigeria.”
In the match between Algeria and Nigeria, Algerian players were seen on camera attacking Senegalese referee Issa Sy and his assistants after the game, while a journalist was recorded hitting another journalist in the mixed zone. The Algerian players accused the referee of biased officiating in their 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to Nigeria.
Reports also indicate that some Cameroonian officials and players protested against the referee, citing an incident where Bryan Mbeumo was denied a penalty after being fouled in the box by Masina during their 2-0 loss to hosts Morocco.
CAF opens investigation, Algeria files official protest
CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and called for appropriate action if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing.
The body is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers. Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” the statement issued on Monday read.
Meanwhile, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) says it will not overlook the refereeing decisions in their match against Nigeria.
“The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing decisions in the last match, which raised questions and left widespread outrage, which has been blamed for the credibility of the African referee, and it does not serve the image of African football internationally,” the statement read in part.
The federation also confirmed that it will file an official complaint with CAF and FIFA regarding the issue.
“The Algerian Football Federation, the African Confederation of Football, as well as the International Football Federation, through filing a formal complaint attached to a request to open an investigation, the intention to clarify what happened and to take appropriate actions in accordance with the regulations enacted therein,” the statement added.
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