AFCON 2025: CAF Opens Probe into Misconduct During Quarter-Final Clashes

By Awwal Owolabi

13 January 2026

Sports

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially opened an investigation into alleged misconduct by players and officials during the heated quarter-final matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The probe focuses on the incidents that marred the fixtures between Nigeria and Algeria, as well as the clash between host nation Morocco and Cameroon.

In a statement released on Monday, the continental football governing body confirmed that it had referred the incidents to its Disciplinary Board for further review.

CAF stated it had received match reports and video evidence suggesting “unacceptable behaviour” and confrontations that violate the tournament’s disciplinary code.

The first investigation centers on the aftermath of Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams secured the Super Eagles’ passage to the semi-finals, but the match ended in chaos.

Upon the final whistle, Algerian players and technical staff reportedly surrounded the Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, aggressively protesting his decisions.

The Algerian contingent was particularly aggrieved by Sy’s refusal to award a penalty for an alleged handball inside the Nigerian box during the first half.

The situation escalated into scuffles on the pitch, forcing stadium security to intervene to protect the match officials as they exited the field.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has since lodged a formal complaint with CAF, citing “poor refereeing” as a decisive factor in their elimination. However, CAF’s probe will focus on the aggressive conduct of the Algerian team post-match.

Separately, CAF is investigating the chaotic scenes that followed Morocco’s 2-0 win over Cameroon in Rabat.

The host nation advanced thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari, booking their first semi-final spot since 2004.

However, the match was characterized by high tensions, which boiled over after the game. Reports indicate that confrontations broke out between players of both sides, leading to a scuffle near the tunnel.

Cameroonian officials also expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating, specifically regarding denied foul calls, though the CAF investigation is primarily concerned with the physical altercations and lack of sportsmanship displayed by both camps.

“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.

“CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the official statement read.

The football body emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards harassment of match officials and unsporting behavior, warning that sanctions could include fines or suspensions for the federations and individuals involved.

As the tournament heads into the semi-finals, these investigations cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a celebration of African football, with fans now awaiting the Disciplinary Board’s verdict.