The Algerian Football Federation has officially lodged complaints with CAF and FIFA regarding the refereeing decisions in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final loss to Nigeria. The federation claims that several decisions made by referee Issa Sy “damaged the credibility of African refereeing” and “do not enhance the value of continental football on the international stage”.
The controversy stems from a denied penalty appeal in the first half, where Semi Ajayi was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Post-match, tensions escalated with Algerian players confronting the referee and altercations among journalists in the mixed zone. CAF has opened an investigation into the incidents, referring the matter to its Disciplinary Board.
