The Confederation of African Football has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final clashes between Cameroon and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Nigeria.

The probe follows reports of confrontations with referees and disruptions in post-match areas.

According to a statement posted on CAF’s official website on Monday, the continental football governing body has collected match reports and video evidence suggesting potentially unacceptable behaviour and has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for further review.

“CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing.


“CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement read.

In the quarter-final fixtures over the weekend, Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech, with goals from star striker Victor Osimhen and forward Akor Adams propelling the Super Eagles into the semifinals.

However, the match ended in chaos as Algerian players confronted match officials on the pitch, leading to scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by fans that was thwarted by stadium security.

The Algerian Football Federation has since lodged a formal complaint with CAF.

They cited controversial refereeing decisions by Senegalese official Issa Sy, including a denied penalty for an alleged handball in the Nigerian box during the first half.

Separately, Morocco advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, but the match was also marred by refereeing disputes.

Cameroon’s team felt aggrieved over two potential penalties not awarded, both involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina.

Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, dismissed suggestions of home-team bias in a post-match press conference.

CAF stressed its commitment to maintaining professional conduct at all events.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.

“Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” it added.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta took aim at Real Madrid’s players after winning the Spanish Super Cup final.

Laporta seemed surprised that Real’s players didn’t give Barcelona a guard of honour after the final.

At the end of the match, after the Real players had received their medals, Kylian Mbappé was seen telling his teammates to leave the pitch and go to the locker room. This didn’t sit well with the Barcelona president, who expressed his displeasure in an interview with Rac1.

Laporta stated: “We were playing very well and had the game very much under control… but yes, it’s true that I could see that Madrid could make things difficult for us on any counterattack.

“Despite that, we had control of the game and that gave me some peace of mind. We were far superior to Madrid and could have won by a larger margin.

“I’m surprised they didn’t give us a guard of honour. You have to be generous and respectful even when you lose, but I understand that it must have been a really tough time. They must have been really struggling, and that’s why they reacted that way.”

On coach Hansi Flick, Laporta added: “Hansi Flick has a contract and will be with us for many more seasons. We have a great coach who is under contract. It’s a contract that was made with heart and he has a very strong connection with the city.”

Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz was delighted with his comeback appearance in their FA Cup third round win at Portsmouth.

Havertz was a second-half substitute as he returned to action after suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season against Manchester United.

Havertz said: “It’s a special feeling, it’s amazing for myself. I’m just happy to be back with the boys and I hope I can help them as much as possible now.

“I think the way the boys have played the last couple of months, it was so nice even to watch from the outside, even though it’s always very hard to be in a situation like this. But just to watch them was amazing and I’m very happy to be with them now.”

The Germany international also commented on Gabriel Martinelli’s hat-trick in the 4-1 win.

He said, “He’s buzzing. I think he deserves it. Every day he works so hard, and especially the way today, with two goals after a set piece, it’s incredible. So I think we’re all very happy for him.

“They were top, especially against teams where they actually focus a lot on set pieces, so to jump that high and then score two goals is amazing.

“I think it’s always tough in the third round of the FA Cup, and a place like this is always tough to play at. We didn’t play our best football, but we won the game and that’s the most important thing.”