The “Football Gang” Puts Algeria at the Mercy of FIFA!
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The grip of a few manipulative individuals within the Algerian Football Federation has ensnared the organization, leading it astray from the path of progress envisioned by the nation’s higher authorities, spearheaded by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The urgency to reform the sports system, particularly football, has never been more apparent, as its descent into decline over recent years has been alarming. Despite unwavering efforts by the Algerian state to revitalize the sports sector, evidenced by the construction of international facilities under President Tebboune’s tenure and the successful hosting of prestigious competitions like the African Cup of Nations for locals and the U17, the Mediterranean Games, and the Arab Games, some disheartening factions remain determined to obstruct these advancements. Their motives, driven solely by self-serving interests, are shamelessly subjecting Algeria to the whims of FIFA.
The Moroccan Lakjaa: An Opportunity to Strike Stability
As the FAF approaches its third presidential elections on September 4, the federation faces a critical juncture in choosing a successor to the outgoing president, Djahid Zefizef, whose tenure witnessed an unfortunate decline in Algerian football. Secretive factions are working to enforce their agenda by excluding potential candidates from the presidency, creating a blockage that may necessitate FIFA’s intervention and the appointment of an external supervisor for exceptional elections, similar to what occurred during the 2014 Moroccan League elections, which led to the current president, Fawzi Lakjaa’s victory.
A Sinister Gang’ Scheme
According to credible reports from “Dzair Tube,” alarming information has surfaced regarding the formation of a clandestine football group that is actively obstructing the scheduled presidential elections for the “FAF” (Algerian Football Federation). This sinister plot aims to disrupt the functioning of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) and, by extension, place Algeria in a vulnerable position at the mercy of FIFA and Fawzi Lakjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan League and a member of FIFA’s Conflict Settlement Committee. Should this malevolent scheme succeed, it could pave the way for Lakjaa to seek retribution against Algeria.
Nominations Committee: Ignoring the Laws
The Nominations Committee, headed by Ali Malik, shoulders the responsibility for Algerian football’s future. This committee is entrusted to provide a conducive environment for holding fair elections; however, its actions suggest a disregard for the laws of the Republic. By imposing arbitrary conditions, such as requiring university education for candidates, despite not being part of “FAF” laws, the committee and its chairman are trampling on the integrity of the federation.
The expiration of the deadline set by the Ministry of Youth and Sports without the federation convening an exceptional association to adapt its laws, makes the implementation of the university degree requirement, stipulated by the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Abd al-Razzaq Sabqaq, a crucial stepping stone towards aligning with federal laws for all sports associations, including FAF.
Questioning the Motives
The Nominations Committee’s decision to introduce incapacitating conditions for candidates vying for the presidency of the “FAF” raises significant concerns in this specific context. Given that the next president will serve the current Olympic term (2021-2025), it is expected that the existing election laws will remain in effect. However, recent past elections have already seen the Nominations Committee disregard the requirement of a university degree and ignore several crucial regulations, solely to serve its own interests. Yet, in a surprising turn, the committee now demands a baccalaureate degree or higher, despite knowing that such a condition poses an impossibility for all candidates and members of the federal office. This obstinacy places “FAF” on the brink of a hazardous and precarious situation that could potentially prompt intervention from “FIFA.” Some calculated parties may even harbor desires to create obstructions within Algeria’s highest football body, solely for the pursuit of their personal agendas at the expense of the country’s greater public interest. Such actions risk undermining the integrity and progress of Algerian football, and a careful reevaluation of these incapacitating conditions is imperative to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Algeria’s footballing future is at a critical juncture, with the “football gang” seeking to manipulate the presidential elections, undermining the nation’s efforts to revive the sport. As the Nominations Committee continues to enforce incapacitating conditions, it becomes clear that the group’s interests supersede the well-being of Algerian football.
