ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane was suspended for two games Wednesday for on-field clashes after his team…
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane was suspended for two matches Wednesday for clashes on the field following his team’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, but he should not miss the clash Lionel Messi and Argentina to the World Cup.
The The Algerian Football Federation said this it will appeal against a series of sanctions, including bans on Zidane and defender Rafik Belghali, imposed by the Confederation of African Football.
Belghali was suspended for two matches, while another two matches were postponed. Hellas Verona defender and Granada goalkeeper Zidane, the 27-year-old son of French great Zinedine Zidane, will serve the suspension during qualifying for the AFCON 2027. Algeria’s qualifying group starts in September.
Algeria players and staff were involved in on-pitch clashes after a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in their quarter-final match on January 10 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Match referee Issa Sy was protected from angry Algerian staff and escorted from the field.
The Algerian federation said the fines totaling $100,000 included charges of misconduct by players and staff, fans trying to breach security barriers and fans “showing banknotes” to match officials.
Algeria will open the 2026 World Cup against defending champion Argentina in Kansas City on June 16. The group also includes Austria and Jordan.
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