AFCON 2025 Organizers Investigate Clashes During Nigeria vs Morocco Matches

Investigation Launched by CAF After On-Field Incident

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has initiated an investigation and warned of possible disciplinary actions concerning the "unacceptable behavior of players and officials" observed at the end of the quarter-final match in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Algeria and Nigeria.

"CAF has referred these cases to the disciplinary committee for investigation and has requested appropriate measures to be taken if the identified individuals are found guilty of any wrongdoing," stated the African football governing body in a press release.

Tensions erupted on the field at the conclusion of Saturday's match in Marrakesh, where Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 with second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Referee Issa Sy was protected by Algeria's team staff and escorted from the pitch. Video clips showed Sy being followed by journalists in the mixed zone as he made his way to the locker room.

Any disciplinary action could impact the Super Eagles' preparations for their semifinal match on Wednesday against Morocco. "CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or the organizers," said CAF.

Video evidence also showed accredited journalists getting involved in confrontations in the mixed zone, waiting for players to pass through for interviews post-match. The Algerian Football Federation has confirmed it has lodged a complaint with CAF regarding Sy’s officiating performance.

"The Algerian Football Federation cannot overlook the performance of the officiating observed in the last match, which raised numerous questions and caused significant confusion," the statement read. "Certain decisions have affected the credibility of African officiating and do not contribute to elevating continental football on the international stage."

CAF has announced that it is also investigating incidents from the Friday match between hosts and Cameroon, where Morocco won 2-0 in Rabat, with the 'Indomitable Lions' expressing dissatisfaction with the officiating, particularly regarding the refusal to award a penalty for a foul on Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo in the second half.