Bans Imposed on Algerias Zidane and Belghali After AFCON Clash with Nigeria

Algerian footballers Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali face suspensions of two and four games apiece for their roles in the disorderly incidents that followed a quarter final loss to Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the decision on Wednesday alongside a $100,000 penalty for lapses in crowd control and misconduct involving team members, coaches and spectators.

As a goalkeeper Zidane and defender Belghali must fulfil their bans in the build up to the 2027 competition through qualifying fixtures.

The FAF has indicated it intends to contest the penalties via an official appeal.

With the score level at 0-0 Algeria missed out on a penalty award before suffering a 2-0 defeat courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams after the interval against Nigeria.

Immediately after the match ended tensions boiled over into a brawl among athletes and personnel from both sides. The FAF noted that the fines also address supporter efforts to access the playing area and gestures of currency aimed at the referees.