Violence erupts at AFCON: CAF launches investigation

The Confederation of African Football has launched investigations into violent confrontations that marred two Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals over the weekend, with possible sanctions looming for those involved.

Opposing players jostled with each other after Morocco defeated Cameroon in Rabat on Friday and when Nigeria overcame Algeria 2-0 in Agadir on Saturday. The incidents have prompted CAF to take action against what it described as "potentially unacceptable behaviour."

Video circulating on social media showed Algerian players pursuing the referee down the tunnel following their elimination, while altercations also broke out among journalists from both countries in the mixed zone, the area where reporters interview players after matches.

CAF Condemns Inappropriate Conduct

"CAF has collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating potentially unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials and has opened an investigation," the continental body stated. "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."

The statement added: "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."

Algerian fans also clashed with security staff following their team's defeat to Nigeria, adding to the tensions surrounding the match.

Algeria Files Complaint

Algeria's federation on Monday filed a complaint with CAF over the performance of Senegalese referee Issa Sy, claiming his decisions "damaged the credibility of African refereeing" during what they called a one-sided match.

"The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing performance observed during the last match, which raised numerous questions and caused considerable confusion," the federation stated. "Certain decisions have damaged the credibility of African refereeing and do nothing to enhance the value of continental football on the international stage."

However, such complaints are routine in African football, particularly from eliminated teams as federations attempt to deflect fan disappointment by blaming defeats on refereeing errors rather than their teams' performances.

The incidents cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a successful tournament in Morocco, with the semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday featuring Morocco against Nigeria and Egypt facing Senegal.