The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched investigations into violent incidents that followed two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final matches played over the weekend, warning that disciplinary sanctions could follow.
Tensions flared after Morocco’s victory over Cameroon in Rabat on Friday and Nigeria’s 2–0 win against Algeria in Agadir on Saturday, with confrontations involving players, officials and supporters.
According to CAF, match officials’ reports and video footage have highlighted behaviour deemed unacceptable at the conclusion of both fixtures.
“CAF has collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating potentially unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials and has opened an investigation,” the continental body said in a statement.
The incidents have been referred to CAF’s Disciplinary Board, which will determine whether sanctions are warranted.
“CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing,” the statement added.
CAF further condemned any form of misconduct during its competitions, particularly actions directed at match officials.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events.”
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Social media footage circulating after Nigeria’s win over Algeria showed the referee being chased down the tunnel by Algerian players, while reports also indicated clashes between journalists from both countries in the mixed zone reserved for post-match interviews.
There were also disturbances involving Algerian supporters, who reportedly clashed with security personnel following the defeat.
In response, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed on Monday that it had formally lodged a complaint with CAF regarding the performance of Senegalese referee Issa Sy.
“The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing performance observed during the last match, which raised numerous questions and caused considerable confusion,” the federation said.
“Certain decisions have damaged the credibility of African refereeing and do nothing to enhance the value of continental football on the international stage.”
Complaints over officiating, however, are a recurring feature in African football, particularly after high-stakes matches, as federations seek to manage fan dissatisfaction and explain disappointing results.
CAF is expected to announce the outcome of its investigations in due course.
