Djahid Zefizef’s Troubled Reign Comes to an End: Is it the End of the Road for the President of FAF?
ALGIERS- In a stunning turn of events, Djahid Zefizef, the president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), finds himself at a crossroads after just one year in office. Despite the substantial resources allocated by the public authorities, Zefizef has proven incapable of revitalizing the image of Algerian football. From mismanagement of competitions to disappointing national team performances, it is evident that Zefizef has been unable to navigate the murky waters of lobbying and internal politics within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), all at the expense of Algeria’s reputation.
One glaring example of Zefizef’s inadequacy is the prolonged delay in announcing the host country for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). Critics argue that Zefizef seems utterly overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding this decision, further highlighting his lack of control and influence within the CAF.
However, Zefizef’s most recent setback occurred within the CAF itself, where he suffered a resounding defeat against Libyan counterpart Abdulhakim Al Shalmani in the race for a place in the CAF Executive Committee (Comex). Observers cannot fathom how Zefizef, with a mere 15 votes compared to Al Shalmani’s 38, could fall so dramatically against a federation president representing a country without a respectable national championship. This humiliation leaves no doubt that Zefizef will face the consequences of his actions.
Insiders within the FAF headquarters in Delly Brahim have confirmed that Zefizef’s days as president are numbered. He now finds himself sitting on an ejection seat, with his position becoming increasingly untenable. “Djahid Zefizef is no longer a unanimous choice and is precariously positioned,” states a unanimous voice within the FAF.
Multiple media sources are also reporting that Djahid Zefizef’s replacement is imminent. “Djahid Zefizef could soon be replaced,” assert several reputable outlets.
National Radio, an official media outlet, underscores the dissatisfaction of public authorities with Zefizef’s performance: “Algeria achieved great success in the CHAN (African Nations Championship) last April and the CAN U17 a month later, but Zefizef has failed, and he must step down.” This clearly indicates that the government is far from pleased with the current FAF president’s performance. Furthermore, reports indicate that his departure will likely be announced upon his return from Côte d’Ivoire. Djahid Zefizef is facing a scorching summer, particularly as this isn’t his first blunder, having previously controversially classified dual-national Algerian players as foreigners.
The President of the FAF and His Missed Opportunity
Djahid Zefizef could have saved himself and Algeria from this impending embarrassment. He had the chance to withdraw from the Comex elections and accept an offer made to him by Patrice Motsepe, the President of the CAF. According to reliable sources, Motsepe had proposed a seat within the Comex if Zefizef were to withdraw his candidacy. This offer was conveyed through Ahmed Yahia, the President of the Mauritanian Football Federation.
However, Zefizef’s stubbornness, combined with his lack of knowledge about the inner workings of the CAF, led to his defeat against Abdulhakim Al Shalmani. The Libyan president openly admitted that he feared the candidacy of Zefizef’s predecessor, Charaf-Eddine Amara, as he believed he had no chance against him.
In light of these recent developments, it appears that Djahid Zefizef’s reign is coming to an end. His failure to revitalize Algerian football, coupled with his inability to navigate the political landscape of the CAF, has sealed his fate. Algerian football enthusiasts and authorities now eagerly await the dawn of a new era, one that will hopefully bring about the positive change that the sport deserves.
