AFCON 2025: Algeria Files Second Petition Against Referee After Loss to Super Eagles
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has announced plans to submit a second formal petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The quarterfinal encounter was played on Saturday, January 10, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, a result that confirmed Algeria’s exit from the tournament and ended goalkeeper Luca Zidane’s clean-sheet streak, according to CAF records.
In a statement that has since gained traction on social media platform X, the Algerian FA accused Senegalese referee Issa Sy of poor officiating and alleged bias in favour of the Nigerian team.
FAF claimed the referee denied Algeria a “clear penalty” decision that could have influenced the outcome of the match. The federation also raised concerns over what it described as several questionable calls that allegedly benefited Nigeria throughout the encounter.
Additional allegations include claims that the referee failed to shake hands with some Algerian players after the final whistle, while also accusing Nigerian players of provoking their opponents at the end of the match.
The Algerian FA further alleged that Algerian journalists and media personnel were attacked in the stadium tunnel following the game.
Part of the statement read:
“A clear penalty was denied. Several decisions from Senegalese referee Issa Sy were questionable and biased in Nigeria’s favour. The referee allegedly failed to shake hands with Algerian players at full time. Nigerian players provoked them after the final whistle, and Algerian journalists were allegedly attacked in the tunnel.”
Following these claims, the Algerian federation is reportedly asking CAF to immediately suspend and remove Issa Sy from the tournament.
CAF is expected to review the petition alongside any evidence submitted before reaching a decision. While some Algerian supporters have demanded swift disciplinary action, Nigerian fans have maintained that the Super Eagles deserved their victory.
The continental football governing body now faces growing pressure to address the matter as the AFCON tournament progresses.