Algeria have lodged a formal complaint with CAF and FIFA over refereeing decisions in their AFCON quarter-final defeat to Nigeria, as investigations into post-match incidents continue.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed it has submitted an official complaint to both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA over refereeing decisions in Algeria’s AFCON quarter-final loss to Nigeria. 

Nigeria sealed the win with goals in the second half, as Victor Osimhen headed home shortly after the restart before turning provider for Akor Adams to double the lead. Osimhen’s opener was his fourth goal of the tournament.

In a statement released via its official channels, the Algerian FA said it could not ignore what it described as controversial refereeing decisions during the contest. While congratulating the Fennecs for their overall performance at the tournament, the federation confirmed it had formally written to CAF and FIFA requesting an investigation.

“The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing decisions in the last match, which raised questions and sparked widespread outrage,” part of the statement read. The federation added that such decisions “do not serve the image of African football internationally” and called for clarity and appropriate action in line with existing regulations.

The complaint followed CAF’s own confirmation that it had opened an investigation into “potentially unacceptable behaviour” after clashes between players at the final whistle of the quarter-final encounter. Any findings from that probe could yet have wider implications as the tournament reaches its closing stages.

Despite the disappointment of elimination, the Algerian FA urged supporters to remain united behind the national team. Algeria enjoyed a strong run in the competition, winning all three group matches before beating DR Congo in the round of 16, only to fall at the quarter-final stage against Nigeria.