The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has taken the dramatic step of filing an official complaint with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the world governing body, FIFA, following their elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the hands of Nigeria.
Controversial Call Sparks Post-Match Chaos
The controversy stems from a key incident during the quarter-final match played on January 10, 2026. With the score locked at 0-0 in the first half, Algerian players appealed for a penalty after the ball struck the arm of Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi inside the box. Referee Issa Sy from Senegal immediately waved away the appeals.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules, this was the correct decision. The rule states it is not a handball offence if the ball makes contact with another part of a player's body before touching their arm, which was the case with Ajayi.
The match ultimately ended in a 2-0 victory for Nigeria, with goals from the formidable strike partnership of Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. However, the final whistle did not bring calm. The match descended into chaos as frustrated Algerian players confronted referee Issa Sy on the pitch and continued their protests into the tunnel.
Algeria's Formal Petition and CAF's Investigation
In a statement published on its official website, the FAF confirmed it could not remain silent about the refereeing performance, which it claimed caused "profound incomprehension." The federation argued that certain decisions damaged the credibility of African refereeing.
"The Algerian Football Federation has officially contacted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) by filing a formal complaint, accompanied by a request for an investigation," the statement read. The FAF wants a full review of the match officiating.
In response, CAF has confirmed it has launched an official investigation into the incidents that occurred after the match. The governing body stated it has received the official match report and evidence regarding the post-match confrontations.
Nigerian Fans React to Algerian Protest
The Algerian petition has sparked strong reactions from Nigerian football fans, many of whom believe the protest is an attempt to deflect from their team's performance on the pitch.
One social media user pointed out Algeria's lack of attacking threat, writing, "We outplayed them completely. They had zero shots on target..." Another comment read, "Algerians are crazy, they were outclassed in every aspect... they are here blaming the referee." A third user sarcastically suggested, "They should submit a formal complaint to their attackers for getting 0 shots on goal."
Despite the AFCON exit, the Algerian federation ended its statement by thanking its fans and urging them for continued support ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
