Author: Gist Correspondent

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened a formal investigation into alleged misconduct involving players, officials and media personnel during the quarter-final matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations featuring Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon and Morocco.

The probe follows reports of confrontations with match officials, post-match disruptions and unruly conduct after the heated encounters.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, CAF said it had reviewed match reports and video footage indicating possible breaches of conduct, prompting the referral of the incidents to its Disciplinary Board.

“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,” the statement said.

CAF also disclosed that it is examining video evidence of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly engaged in misconduct within the mixed zone area after the matches.

Nigeria’s quarter-final clash against Algeria in Marrakech ended in controversy despite the Super Eagles’ 2–0 victory, secured through goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, which booked Nigeria a place in the semi-finals.

Tensions flared at the final whistle as Algerian players confronted the refereeing team, resulting in scuffles on the pitch and an attempted pitch invasion by supporters, which was swiftly contained by stadium security.

The Algerian Football Federation has since submitted an official protest to CAF, citing what it described as contentious officiating by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, including the non-award of a first-half penalty for an alleged handball in Nigeria’s penalty area.

In the other quarter-final, Morocco also recorded a 2–0 win over Cameroon, but the match was similarly overshadowed by refereeing disputes. Cameroonian players and officials protested two penalty appeals involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina that were waved on by the referee.

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui rejected claims of officiating bias in favour of the hosts during his post-match media briefing.

Reaffirming its stance, CAF stressed its zero-tolerance for misconduct at its competitions.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers,” the statement added. “Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events.”