The Confederation of African Football (CAN) is probing reports of misconduct involving players and officials who participated in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final matches featuring Cameroon vs. Morocco and Algeria vs. Nigeria.
This comes in the wake of allegations detailing clashes with match officials as well as disturbances recorded in areas designated for post-match engagement.
In a notice published on CAF’s official website on Monday, the continental football authority stated that it had reviewed match documents alongside available footage pointing to what may constitute unacceptable conduct, prompting a referral of the incidents to its Disciplinary Board for deeper scrutiny.
“CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing.
“CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement read.
During the weekend’s last-eight fixtures, Nigeria advanced to the semifinals with a 2-0 win against Algeria in Marrakech, courtesy of goals by prolific forward Victor Osimhen and attacker Akor Adams.
Despite the win, the closing moments of the encounter were overshadowed by tension, as members of the Algerian squad reportedly challenged the referees on the field, sparking altercations and an attempted pitch intrusion by supporters that was prevented through the intervention of security personnel.
The Algerian Football Federation has subsequently filed an official protest with CAF.
The complaint lists multiple grievances, including officiating calls made by Senegal’s Issa Sy, with particular emphasis on a waved-away penalty appeal for an alleged handball in Nigeria’s 18-yard box in the opening half.
In a separate fixture, Morocco moved forward with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, although that match also drew criticism regarding refereeing decisions.
The Cameroonian side registered dissatisfaction over what they believed to be two unawarded penalty incidents linked to Moroccan defender Adam Masina.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, rejected claims of bias in favour of the hosts during his post-match media briefing.
CAF reiterated its stance on maintaining discipline and professionalism.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.
“Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” it added.