CAF Issues Sanctions Against Algeria After Misconduct
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Issues Sanctions Against Algeria After Misconduct

The CAF Disciplinary Board met to discuss issues from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 match between Algeria and Nigeria on January 10, 2026.

The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football has announced penalties for Algeria’s misconduct during the January 10, 2026, African Cup of Nations match against Nigeria:

– Luca Zidane is suspended for two matches for misconduct.
– Rafik Belghali is suspended for four matches (two of which are deferred for one year) for aggressive behaviour toward the referee.
– The Algerian Football Federation will incur fines totalling USD 100,000 for various infractions:
– USD 5,000 for receiving five yellow cards in one match.
– USD 25,000 for inappropriate behaviour from players and officials.
– USD 5,000 for fans using smoke devices.
– USD 5,000 for fans throwing objects.
– USD 10,000 for failing to follow security measures.
– USD 50,000 for offensive gestures by supporters towards match officials.

AFCON top scorer Brahim Díaz apologises to Moroccan people
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON top scorer Brahim Díaz apologises to Moroccan people

Brahim Díaz of Morocco has apologized for missing a key penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where Senegal triumphed 1-0 after extra-time in Rabat.

Díaz was fouled in the box by El Hadji Malick Diouf, leading to a VAR-reviewed penalty decision that sparked protests from Senegal.

He attempted a Panenka shot, which Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved. The miss sent the match went to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal, securing their second AFCON title.

Díaz expressed his regret on social media the following day. “My soul hurts,” wrote Díaz. “I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you have given me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I was not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else.

“Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise wholeheartedly. It will be difficult for me to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try.

“Not for myself, but for all those who believed in me and for all those who suffered with me. I will keep going until one day I can give you all this love back and be the pride of my Moroccan people.”

Despite missing a penalty, the 26-year-old had a remarkable debut tournament, becoming the first player in AFCON history to score in all five of his initial matches at the finals. He not only made his mark but also finished as the tournament’s top scorer, earning the Golden Boot with five goals in seven appearances.

Díaz is eagerly anticipating the chance to make amends at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mama Sow's on Senegal skipper Sadio Mane's last AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Mama Sow on Senegal skipper Sadio Mane’s last AFCON

A former technical director of the Senegal national team has expressed a different viewpoint from those encouraging Sadio Mané to rethink his decision to retire from international football.

Sadio Mané’s retirement discussions are gaining attention after he led Senegal’s national team, the Teranga Lions, to win their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, defeating Morocco 1-0.

Mama Sow, who was Senegal’s technical director from 2000 to 2006, has weighed in on Mané’s future with the national team.

Sow said, “I completely understand his decision. Sadio Mané has given everything to Senegal. Beyond football, he is a true patriot. If he says this is his last final, it means his body has spoken.” He believes Mané may be considering retirement due to the high demands of professional football.

Mané, a former Liverpool FC star, has announced his plans to retire from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June.

He hinted at his retirement before the tournament in Morocco and confirmed it after winning the title on Sunday. In an interview with beIN Sports, Mané stated, “I will try to play in the 2026 World Cup and then I will retire from international football.”

He also praised the Saudi Pro League, saying it is very competitive and one of the best leagues in the world. Mané was named the AFCON 2025 Man of the Competition, winning this award for the second time in his international career, after winning it in 2021.

Akor Adams nets brace as Sevilla draw with Elche
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Akor Adams nets a brace as Sevilla draw with Elche

Akor Adams helped Sevilla secure a draw against Elche by scoring two goals after returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Super Eagles.

Sevilla initially fell behind 2-0, with goals from Aleix Febas and Germán Valera. Coming off the bench, Akor scored in the 75th minute and converted a penalty in stoppage time to equalise.

In a statement to Mundo Deportivo, Akor expressed his gratitude for playing time and noted that while the team had chances to win, he was satisfied with the draw.

He emphasised the importance of teamwork and mentioned that he was happy to contribute after watching the team’s previous games while away.

The draw leaves Sevilla in 14th place in the La Liga table. Their next match is on Saturday against 10th-place Athletic Club at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

Sierra Leone set to compete in FIFA Series 2026
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone set to compete in FIFA Series 2026

Sierra Leone will face host nation Azerbaijan, Oman, and St Lucia in this year's FIFA series.

Forty-eight national teams from all six FIFA confederations are set to compete, representing almost a quarter of the global football community. Eleven FIFA Member Associations to host 12 groups, engaging both men’s and women’s national teams.

Following the announcement of the expanded format in November 2025, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams competing in 12 groups of four teams each during the international match window in March and April.

With 48 participating teams – representing almost 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – nearly a quarter of the global football community will take part in the FIFA Series.

Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series of events, with Rwanda hosting two groups, bringing the total number of groups to 12.

The initiative will include nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with all six FIFA confederations represented, underlining the truly global nature of the FIFA Series™.

The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan. The women’s contests will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.

Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026 events will be announced in due course.