CAN 2025 – Algeria: Belghali sets the record straight
CAN 2025 – Algeria: Rafik Belghali clarifies the controversial scene with the referee
Two days after Algeria’s elimination by Nigeria in the quarter-finals of CAN 2025, Rafik Belghali has broken his silence to clarify a sequence that went viral. Deeply affected by the defeat, the right-back was seen at the final whistle attempting to speak with Senegalese referee Issa Sy—a gesture that sparked numerous reactions and drew the attention of CAF in its investigation into post-match incidents.
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In a statement released on his social media, Belghali wanted to provide some clarification, while acknowledging the impact of the footage.
“I saw the video circulating after the match and I understand how it can be perceived without the full context,” he explained,
before adding:
“After the final whistle, I approached the referee to shake his hand. His reaction surprised me and, in the heat of the moment, I briefly followed him to ask why.”
The player denied any confrontational intent:
“There was no aggression or intention of confrontation,”
while also accepting his share of responsibility:
“I do acknowledge, however, that I let the situation drag on longer than it should have.”
For Belghali, this first CAN—marked by rapid integration and solid performances—ends in frustration, but also with a clear determination to continue progressing “with responsibility and discipline.”
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