Algeria FA Petitions FIFA, CAF Over Refereeing in AFCON Defeat to Nigeria
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has officially lodged a complaint with both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria in the quarter-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
In a formal letter submitted after the match in Marrakech last Saturday, the FAF questioned several officiating decisions, claiming they “raised serious questions” and sparked widespread dissatisfaction among Algerian players, officials, and supporters. The federation argued that the referee’s calls undermined the credibility of African refereeing and risked damaging the image of African football on the international stage.
As part of the petition, the FAF requested a full investigation into the disputed decisions, urging CAF and FIFA to take corrective action in line with existing regulations. The complaint comes amid heightened tensions following the match, which saw heated exchanges between Algerian and Nigerian players at full time.
The fallout extended beyond the pitch, as some Algerian supporters reportedly vandalised items inside the stadium before being restrained by security officials. On Monday, CAF confirmed in a statement that it has opened an investigation into both the officiating concerns and the post-match incidents.
From a neutral standpoint, this development reflects the intense emotions that often accompany high-stakes tournament football. While refereeing decisions are frequently scrutinised, formal petitions to global football bodies signal deeper concerns about trust and transparency. However, it is equally important to separate officiating debates from on-field discipline and fan conduct, both of which also shape the tournament’s reputation.
As CAF’s investigation unfolds, the focus will be on restoring calm and ensuring fairness, not just in refereeing, but in the broader conduct of teams and supporters. For Nigeria, the result stands and attention shifts to their semi-final challenge, while Algeria’s complaint serves as a reminder of the fine line between competitive passion and controversy at the highest level of African football.
