CAF opens probe into post-match violence at Africa Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into violent clashes following two 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, after Morocco’s win over Cameroon and Nigeria’s victory against Algeria over the weekend in Morocco, CAF said on Monday.

CAF said videos showed Algerian players chasing referee Issa Sy down a tunnel after their 2-0 loss to Nigeria and that there were scuffles between journalists and fans with security, prompting it to refer reports and evidence to its Disciplinary Board for action.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour targeting referees or match organisers,” the governing body said, promising sanctions for misconduct.

Algeria’s Football Federation also filed an official complaint criticising the referee’s performance, saying controversial decisions damaged confidence in African officiating, a common reaction from teams unhappy with defeat, CAF added.

Violence and complaints have added an off-pitch drama to the tournament in Morocco that runs through mid-January.