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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation and warned of possible disciplinary action following clashes involving players and officials at the conclusion of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday as reported by Aljazeera, CAF said the matter had been referred to its disciplinary board to probe what it described as the “unacceptable behaviour of players and officials,” adding that sanctions would follow if those involved are found guilty of wrongdoing.
Tensions flared after the January 10 match in Marrakesh, Morocco, which Nigeria won 2–0 through second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Read more: Osimhen, Adams fire Nigeria into AFCON semifinals with 2-0 win
Referee Issa Sy was reportedly confronted by members of the Algerian technical staff and had to be escorted off the pitch for his safety.
Video footage circulating on social media showed Sy continuing to be pursued in the mixed media zone as he made his way to the referees’ dressing area.
Separate clips also appeared to show altercations involving accredited media personnel waiting for post-match interviews.
Any disciplinary measures could affect Nigeria’s preparations for their semifinal clash against Morocco on Wednesday.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, particularly actions directed at match officials or organisers,” the governing body said.
The Algerian Football Federation criticised the officiating, saying the refereeing performance had “raised numerous questions” and “caused considerable confusion.”
“Certain decisions have damaged the credibility of African refereeing and do nothing to enhance the value of continental football on the international stage,” the federation added.
CAF also confirmed it is investigating incidents from Friday’s quarterfinal between hosts Morocco and Cameroon in Rabat.
Morocco won that match 2–0, but Cameroon expressed strong dissatisfaction with the officiating, particularly over the denial of a second-half penalty appeal following a challenge on Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo.
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