Hafid Derradji: Mohamed Raouraoua To Be Named Honorary President, Walid Sadi President of FAF
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS – August 24, 2023– In a recent article on the Algerie Maintenant website, Algerian journalist Hafid Derradji delves into the unfolding saga surrounding the selection of a new president for the Algerian Football Federation (FAF). Following the resignation of Djahid Zefizef, all eyes are now on the future leadership of Algerian football.
As the eminent voice of beIN Sport channels, Derradji asserts that Walid Sadi is poised to steer the FAF ship through the challenges that lie ahead. However, a twist of respect is in store, with the possible appointment of Mohamed Raouraoua as the honorary president in the inaugural general assembly of the federation. Raouraoua’s dedication to facilitating a seamless transition is to be acknowledged, as the FAF aims to redirect its trajectory and restore its prominence under fresh leadership.
“In a previous piece, I expounded on the persistent efforts to bring former FAF president Mohamed Raouraoua back into the fold,” Derradji notes, “but it seems that the seeds of change have matured over time, potentially paving the way for Walid Sadi to take the reins directly.”
The proposed shift signifies a pivotal juncture for Algerian football. Sadi’s stewardship is anticipated as a balm to the FAF’s ailing fortunes, provided he leads a new-look federal office characterized by novel perspectives. The prospective appointment of Mohamed Raouraoua as honorary president in the inaugural assembly pays homage to his commitment in supporting the incoming president, and thus embarking on the journey to rejuvenate Algerian football. This crucial shift appears to be the closest to realization, considering emerging reports on the withdrawal of former Algerian national team coach Meziane Eagle, AbdelKarim Medaouar, the President of the National Professional League, and the incumbent Federation Secretary-General Mounir Dabichi, from the running.
The horizon draws near for the submission of nominations, with the extended deadline expiring imminently. Observers expect that Walid Sadi will ascend to a challenge-laden position, navigating a crucial period marred by internal and external hurdles. This juncture necessitates unwavering support from public authorities, not merely financial but moral, to extract Algerian football from the abyss it has endured over the years.
“The FAF has endured years of mismanagement, with accusations of dubious player trades, contract manipulations, and financial irregularities tarnishing the sport’s essence,” Derradji emphasizes. Algerian football, once a beacon of national pride, has been bogged down by corruption and misuse of power.
Efforts to bolster Sadi’s candidature, attributed by some as a desperate bid to salvage the tarnished reputation of the former regime, have proven futile. The extensive debt accrued, exceeding 500 billion centimes, mirrors the grave challenges that Sadi and his potential team must grapple with. The misallocation of funds to inflated salaries, dormant projects, and redundant expenditures have contributed to this financial predicament.
The journey toward rejuvenation will indeed be arduous and may border on the improbable in the short term. A rigorous evaluation process, helmed by a specialized committee, is essential to identify imbalances and assign accountability. With a roadmap defined in time, this process should align regulations with the nation’s laws, reevaluate professionalism, and breathe new life into regional and state associations. The Technical Directorate, national teams, clubs, and coaching structures demand introspection.
The imminent president must embark on a mission to resurrect the sport’s ethical foundations, secure sustainable funding to address accrued debts, and confront forthcoming challenges in organization, training, and arbitration. Active engagement on the international stage is a must, with efforts aligning various institutions to revitalize the local league and restore pride to the clubs and national teams.
Derradji aptly concludes, “While Walid Sadi or any other individual cannot singly salvage the FAF, the collective commitment to change is pivotal. Missing this opportunity could plunge Algerian football into deeper turmoil, necessitating more resources, time, and patience—precious commodities our nation can ill afford.”
The horizon beckons for Algerian football—a juncture that demands proactive, resolute action to restore its honor and vitality.
