CAF Investigates Violent Scenes After AFCON Quarter-Final Matches
The Confederation of African Football announced it will investigate violent incidents that marred two African Cup of Nations quarter-final matches over the weekend. CAF confirmed it has opened a formal inquiry and may impose sanctions on those found responsible.
Referee Pursued and Journalists Clash in Post-Match Chaos
Social media videos captured disturbing scenes after Algeria's 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in Agadir on Saturday. Algerian players chased the referee down the tunnel following the match. In the mixed zone where reporters interview players, journalists from both countries engaged in physical altercations.
Similar incidents occurred after Morocco's victory over Cameroon in Rabat on Friday. Opposing players jostled with each other in heated exchanges at the conclusion of both quarter-final matches.
CAF Condemns Unacceptable Behavior and Refers Matter to Disciplinary Board
CAF stated it has collected match reports and video evidence showing potentially unacceptable behavior from some players and officials. The football body referred the matters to its Disciplinary Board for thorough investigation.
"CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers," the organization said in an official statement. "Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events."
The statement emphasized that CAF has called for appropriate action against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing during the investigations.
Algerian Federation Files Formal Complaint Over Refereeing
Algeria's football federation confirmed on Monday that it filed a formal complaint with CAF regarding the performance of referee Issa Sy from Senegal. The federation criticized what it called a one-sided match where Algeria suffered a comprehensive defeat to Nigeria.
The Algerian statement expressed concern that certain decisions damaged the credibility of African refereeing. "The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing performance observed during the last match, which raised numerous questions and caused considerable confusion," the federation stated.
Algerian fans also clashed with security staff after their team's loss, adding to the post-match disturbances that CAF is now investigating.
Common Pattern in African Football Complaints
Such complaints about refereeing have become common in African football, particularly from losing teams. Football federations often seek to temper fan dissatisfaction and disappointment by blaming defeat on officiating errors.
The current investigations mark a significant response from CAF to address both on-field and off-field incidents that threaten the professional image of continental football competitions.
