AFCON 2025: CAF Investigates Misconduct in Quarter-Finals
By Wellington Jopelo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened a formal investigation into alleged misconduct involving players, officials and media representatives during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final matches featuring Nigeria vs Algeria and Morocco vs Cameroon.
CAF confirmed on Monday that it has reviewed match officials’ reports and video footage indicating possible breaches of conduct during and after the games. The incidents have now been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for further examination.
In a statement published on its official website, CAF said the probe covers confrontations with match officials, disturbances in post-match areas, and an alleged incident involving members of the media in the mixed zone.
“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 is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area.”
During the weekend’s quarter-final fixtures, Nigeria defeated Algeria 2–0 in Marrakech, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealing the Super Eagles’ place in the semi-finals. The match, however, ended in disorder as several Algerian players confronted match officials on the pitch, resulting in scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by supporters, which was contained by stadium security.
The Algerian Football Federation has since submitted a formal protest to CAF, citing controversial decisions by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, including the refusal to award a first-half penalty for an alleged handball in Nigeria’s penalty area.
In the other quarter-final, Morocco also secured a 2–0 victory over Cameroon, but the encounter was similarly overshadowed by refereeing disputes. Cameroonian officials and players expressed frustration over two penalty appeals involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina that were waved away by the referee.
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, rejected claims of home advantage influencing officiating decisions during his post-match briefing.
Reiterating its stance, CAF stressed that it would not tolerate any conduct that undermines the integrity of 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.”