The quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations were marred by unprecedented incidents. Faced with this chaos, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Monday, January 12, the opening of an investigation to shed light on these events. In a statement published on its official website, the continental body "strongly condemns the unacceptable behavior of certain players and officials."

According to the federation, investigations have been opened into the Cameroon-Morocco and Algeria-Nigeria matches. The federation stated that it had gathered "match reports as well as video footage" suggesting that certain behaviors may have violated regulations and sporting ethics. The entire file has been forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee, which will decide on appropriate sanctions if any misconduct is confirmed.

The continental body also indicates that it is examining images involving members of the media in the mixed zone, where "inappropriate behavior" was reported, in reference to the tensions that arose after Algeria's elimination against Nigeria (0-2).

"CAF reiterates that it condemns in the strongest possible terms any inappropriate behavior, particularly when it targets referees or match organizers," the statement emphasizes. Any breach of the professional standards required during African competitions will be subject to disciplinary action.

The quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria was particularly heated. A handball by Junior Ajayi in the penalty area on a cross from Farès Chaibi, which would likely have resulted in a penalty, sparked immediate tensions after the final whistle. Several players and staff members nearly came to blows on the pitch, while the Senegalese referee had to be escorted off the field by security.

The disturbances continued in the stands and mixed zone, where videos circulating on social media showed tense exchanges between supporters, stadiums and journalists, requiring the intervention of security forces.