CAF Takes Action Amid Rising Tensions at AFCON 2025

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has intervened due to escalating tensions surrounding the conclusion of the 2025 tournament. On Monday morning, CAF issued a firm statement revealing that it has gathered significant “match reports and video evidence” related to two quarter-final matches: Cameroon’s encounter with tournament hosts Morocco, and the high-stakes clash between Algeria and Nigeria. Officials suspect that the events in these matches may have contravened the expected code of conduct for such a prestigious tournament.

In a press release from their Cairo headquarters, which was disseminated in Morocco, CAF emphasized its commitment to addressing the growing issues that have overshadowed the football being played. The statement confirmed that the Disciplinary Board has taken charge of the situation and is reviewing the footage to identify those responsible for any misconduct.

“CAF has collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating potentially unacceptable behavior from some players and officials and has opened an investigation into incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 quarter-final fixtures between Cameroon and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Nigeria,” the statement read.

“CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified individuals are found guilty of any wrongdoing.”

The statement concluded: “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurs during matches, especially those directed at referees or match organizers. Appropriate actions will be pursued against anyone whose conduct is inconsistent with the professional standards expected at CAF events.”

In one of the scrutinized matches, Nigeria triumphed over Algeria with a decisive 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, securing a place in the semi-finals and keeping alive their hopes for a fourth continental title. However, the aftermath was less celebratory for Algeria. Frustrations escalated as Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane became embroiled in a heated exchange with Nigeria’s Dele-Bashiru, culminating in a shoving match that involved players and staff from both teams. Zidane was also seen arguing with Raphael Onyedika as Nigeria’s players intervened.

The second match under investigation featured the host nation Morocco, who secured a 2-0 victory against Cameroon. The pressure on the Atlas Lions to claim the trophy on home soil has created a charged atmosphere at every venue they visit, and encounters between Cameroon and Morocco are typically intense and fiercely contested, with tempers flaring notably during this match due to certain refereeing decisions.

In a rare move, the investigation also extends to the media, with CAF confirming that it is reviewing footage of an “incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area.” This unusual focus highlights the evolving dynamics of conduct at such high-profile events.