The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cracked the whip with devastating force, handing lengthy bans to Algerian stars Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali following the ugly scenes that marred their AFCON quarter-final exit. The decision sends a stern message: chaos will not be tolerated on the continent’s biggest stage.

The sanctions follow a chaotic end to Algeria’s 0-2 loss to Nigeria, a match where frustrations boiled over into a full-blown scuffle. Luca Zidane, the son of football royalty Zinedine Zidane, found himself in the thick of a brawl that was less "Beautiful Game" and more "barroom brawl."

The Price of Indiscipline

CAF’s disciplinary board showed no mercy.Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been slapped with a two-match ban, while defender Rafik Belghali faces an even stiffer four-match suspension.The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) was also hit where it hurts, with a $100,000 (approx. Ksh 13 million) fine for failing to control their players and fans.

"This is about protecting the integrity of African football," a CAF insider remarked. "We cannot have international players behaving like hooligans because a result didn\t go their way."

• The Trigger: The melee erupted after Algeria was denied a penalty with the score at 0-0. The subsequent loss, sealed by goals from Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, was too much for the Fennec Foxes to bear.
• Fan Trouble: The fine also covers the shameful behavior of Algerian fans, some of whom attempted to invade the pitch and waved banknotes at match officials—a crude accusation of bribery that CAF took personally.
• World Cup Cleared: In a small mercy for Algeria, the bans apply to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, meaning Zidane will still be eligible to face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the upcoming 2026 World Cup group stage.

A Lesson Learned?

The FAF has announced an immediate appeal, claiming the sanctions are excessive. But the video evidence is damning. For a team with the pedigree of Algeria, the implosion was unprofessional and embarrassing.

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria march on to the semi-finals, Algeria is left to lick its wounds and pay the bill—a costly reminder that in football, you must keep your head, even when you are losing it.