The Algerian Football Federation is preparing to lodge a formal complaint against the Confederation of African Football Disciplinary Committee, according to a source, amid growing frustration over a lack of response to an appeal concerning sanctions imposed after a match against Nigeria national football team.
The complaint could be submitted to CAF’s Executive Office or escalated further to its General Assembly if the governing body fails to address the matter in line with its regulations.
Sanctions spark dispute
The controversy stems from penalties handed down at the end of January following a quarter-final fixture between Algeria national football team and Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Disciplinary Committee issued a series of sanctions after what it described as events during the match, which reportedly included refereeing controversy involving Senegalese official Issa Sy.
Among the measures taken was a $100,000 fine imposed on the Algerian Football Federation. In addition, goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match suspension in the qualifiers for the 2027 tournament, while right-back Rafik Belghali was handed a four-match ban, two of which were suspended.
Appeal met with silence
The Algerian Football Federation subsequently appealed the sanctions, stating that it had adhered strictly to all organisational and legal procedures.
However, the source indicated that nearly two months after submitting the appeal, no response has been received from CAF’s relevant bodies.
The same source expressed surprise at what was described as the inaction of CAF’s legal committees, despite the federation having taken all required steps and submitted multiple communications seeking clarification.
The federation is said to have formally requested details from the Disciplinary Committee regarding the legal basis for the sanctions, as part of efforts to strengthen its case and defend the interests of the national team.
Threat of escalation
Frustration within Algerian football authorities appears to be mounting, with the source confirming that three official letters have been sent without reply.
This lack of communication is now being cited as a central justification for escalating the matter.
The federation is reportedly considering taking the unprecedented step of filing a complaint directly against the Disciplinary Committee with CAF’s Executive Office, before potentially advancing the case to the organisation’s General Assembly.
Officials are expected to argue that their right to appeal and defend their position has been compromised by the absence of any response.
Comparisons raise further questions
The situation has been further complicated by recent developments in other cases. The source noted that CAF’s Appeals Committee had issued decisions relating to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal national football team and Morocco national football team, despite the Algeria-Nigeria case having been filed earlier.
This sequence of events has reportedly added to concerns within the Algerian federation regarding procedural consistency.
Legal options remain open
Should CAF fail to act, the Algerian Football Federation is expected to consider further legal avenues, including a possible move to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The source suggested that such a step would be taken if the continental body does not comply with its own regulations in handling the appeal.
As tensions rise, the case highlights broader questions about governance and procedural transparency within African football, with Algeria determined to pursue what it views as its right to a fair hearing.
