AFCON 2025: Algeria files complaint against Senegalese referee after their elimination
The day after its elimination in the quarter-finals of the AFCON 2025 against Nigeria (0-2), the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) filed an official complaint with the African Football Confederation (CAF). At the heart of this dispute: the performance of the Senegalese referee Issa Sy, deemed «partial» by the Algerian sports authorities
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
The adventure of Algeria at the AFCON 2025 ended in a climate of extreme tension. If the technical superiority of the Super Eagles on the pitch of the Grand Stade de Marrakech has been highlighted by many observers, it is the refereeing aspect that now monopolizes the news.
A damning report sent to the authorities
The FAF did not settle for a simple verbal protest. According to federal sources, a documented file was forwarded to CAF arbitration board, pointing to several specific grievances:
The penalty not whistled: a Nigerian hand in the penalty area in the first period, deemed «blatant» by the Algerian camp, was neither sanctioned nor reviewed by the VAR.
Disciplinary management: the referee distributed six yellow cards to the Algerian players, a severity deemed disproportionate compared to the mistakes committed by the opponent.
The extra-sporting behavior: the report mentions an attitude deemed «disrespectful» by Issa Sy, who allegedly refused to greet the Algerian players and staff at the final whistle.
Arbitration, the dark spot of the competition
This new controversy is part of a broader context. Since the kick-off of the competition, refereeing has been the target of recurring criticism. Several nations, including Mali and Cameroon during previous phases, have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with decisions deemed inconsistent despite video assistance.
Mali has also filed an appeal to ease the suspension of Amadou Haïdara, who was suspended for two matches after his incomprehensible red card received against the Comoros on the last day of the group stage. Without cancelling the red card, the suspension was reduced to one match, which allowed the new RC Lens midfielder to play in the quarter-final against Senegal.
In Algeria, some media go further, questioning the last-minute appointment of Issa Sy to replace Somali Abdelkader Artan, initially scheduled for this meeting.
Divergent reactions
Despite the official approach of the federation, Captain Riyad Mahrez showed restraint in the mixed zone:
"The arbitration was not perfect, but it is not the only reason for our defeat. One must know how to remain lucid.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic preferred to focus on the tactical shortcomings of his team, while acknowledging that the refereeing decisions have "broken the rhythm" of his players.
CAF announced for the opening of an investigation into the incidents that occurred in the locker room tunnel after the match, where altercations broke out between members of the two delegations.