BY/ Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algerian football is experiencing a period of unprecedented decline, marred by successive scandals and a sharp deterioration in its overall quality. The situation has reached such a critical point that the days of key figures, including Djahid Zefzef and Mounir Debichi, seem numbered, according to reliable sources.
The Algerian newspaper “Dzair Sport” has revealed that significant changes are expected to take place at the top of the Algerian football pyramid in the coming days. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and the Professional League have been embroiled in scandals that have severely impacted Algerian football, leading it to plummet to new lows.
Djahid Zefzef, the head of the Algerian Federation, is reportedly contemplating stepping down from his position during the upcoming meeting of the FAF Federal Bureau. Zefzef has been held primarily responsible for the worsening situation within the Federation, which has been in decline since he succeeded former President Charaf Eddine. His tenure has failed to live up to the promises made during his election campaign, where he pledged to revolutionize the football system and restore Algeria’s prestige in African football.
The Secretary-General of the Algerian Federation, Mounir Debichi, is also expected to resign due to the series of scandals that have plagued the federation. These scandals have turned the once highly regarded federation into an amateurish organization. The mishandling of the women’s team issue and the controversy surrounding the CAF Cup final between the Federation Capital and the Young Africans of Tanzania have further exacerbated the situation, necessitating the need for change to elevate the level of national football.
Similarly, Abdel Karim Medawar, the president of the Professional League, is reportedly on shaky ground within the football body. Medawar has faced severe criticism from the heads of professional clubs due to the state of affairs in the first professional division. The league has become the longest-running league in the world this season, leading to mounting dissatisfaction. Serious allegations of embezzlement have been directed at Medawar, prompting calls for the Minister of Youth and Sports, Abderrahmane Hammad, to initiate investigations into financial irregularities during his presidency.
Amidst the turmoil, there are parties seeking to exploit the current situation and regain control over the Algerian Federation. However, these factions have previously failed to safeguard the legacy left by former President Mohamed Raouraoua. Their mismanagement has squandered significant funds, thrusting the FAF into a financial crisis despite the popularity it enjoyed from 2009 to 2017. Moreover, Algerian influence in CAF has diminished, as evidenced by President Faouzi Lakjaa’ successful move to prevent Western Sahara from joining CAF during their tenure. These factors could impede their chances of returning and pave the way for competent individuals to lead Algerian football towards a brighter future.
