The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed that it has lodged formal complaints with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over controversial refereeing decisions during its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash against Nigeria.
The confirmation was made on Monday via the official X handle of the Algerian national team, Équipe d’Algérie de football. According to the federation, the complaints were accompanied by a request for a thorough investigation to clarify the disputed decisions and ensure appropriate action is taken in line with existing football regulations.
In a strongly worded statement, the FAF said it could not ignore what it described as questionable refereeing calls that generated widespread dissatisfaction and, in its view, undermined the credibility of African officiating.
“The Algerian Football Federation cannot overlook the refereeing decisions in the last match, which raised questions and caused widespread dissatisfaction, as they undermined the credibility of African refereeing and do not serve the image of African football internationally,” the statement read.
The petition followed Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria on Saturday, a result that knocked the Desert Foxes out of the tournament. Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams secured Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals.
The match ended amid tense scenes, with Algerian players confronting match officials on the pitch. Videos circulating online showed heated exces involving players, referees and security personnel, while an attempted pitch invasion by fans was reportedly prevented by stadium officials.
CAF confirmed on Monday that it has opened an investigation into alleged misconduct during the encounter, stating that match reports and video evidence suggesting potentially unacceptable behaviour have been referred to its Disciplinary Board.
Despite the controversy, the FAF urged Algerian fans to continue supporting the national team, describing the squad as being in a rebuilding phase. The federation stressed the need to draw lessons from the AFCON campaign as preparations continue for future competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Do you think Algeria has a valid point or are they just sore s? Refereeing controversies are part of the game!
Shouldnt teams focus on improving their game rather than blaming referees? Its part of the game, lets move on.
Do you think Algeria has a valid point in petitioning CAF and FIFA over the refereeing in their AFCON quarter-final loss to Nigeria? Lets discuss!
I think Algeria has a valid point about the refereeing in the AFCON quarter-final. Its frustrating when decisions impact the outcome of important matches.
Do you think Algeria has a valid argument or are they just sour s? Lets discuss the controversial refereeing in the AFCON quarter-final!
Do you think Algeria has a valid case or are they just being sore s? Lets discuss!
Do you think Algerias petition is justified or just sour gs? Refereeing controversies are part of the game, after all.