Algeria striker Saifi in altercation with reporter after team’s 1-0 loss to US at World Cup

Algeria striker Saifi clashes with reporter

PRETORIA, South Africa — Algeria striker Rafik Saifi was involved in an altercation with a journalist after his team was eliminated from the World Cup.

The confrontation followed Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to the United States and happened at Loftus Versfeld in an area where media interviews are conducted with players.

A female reporter from an Algerian publication was heard shouting at Saifi, who left the stadium holding his lip and refusing to respond to questions.

FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot told a news conference Thursday morning that he’d heard about the clash but had not received an official report.

He declined comment on the specific case, but said: “It’s clear the values of fair play apply not only the pitch, but off the pitch as well.”

Algeria finished at the bottom of Group C with just one point and was eliminated from the tournament.