Walid Sadi, Charting a New Era for Algerian Football: Strategic Ambitions for World Cup Qualification and Continental Influence

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 3rd, 2025 — With a bold and meticulously crafted vision, Walid Sadi, the President of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), is spearheading a transformative agenda to restore Algeria’s footballing prestige both on and off the pitch. His ambitious yet legitimate objectives center on two fundamental pillars: securing Algeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after two successive absences and reclaiming the nation’s influence within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) by securing a seat on its Executive Committee. These efforts are not only geared towards elevating Algerian football to new heights but also combating the long-standing injustices and behind-the-scenes machinations that have hindered its progress on the continental stage.

The latest General Assembly of the FAF provided encouraging indicators that bolster the prospects of achieving these goals. The financial report presented at the assembly highlighted a significant financial upturn, with the federation’s treasury reaching 500 billion centimes, marking a dramatic departure from the financial mismanagement that plagued the FAF in recent years. Under previous administrations, the federation’s reserves, which stood at 700 billion centimes under former president Mohamed Raouraoua, were recklessly depleted due to poor governance, misallocation of funds, and administrative negligence. This led to mounting debts, compelling the current leadership to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible. Sadi’s decisive actions underscore a firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and restoring institutional credibility, aligning with the broader state mandate to uphold governance integrity across all sectors, including football.

Beyond financial recovery, Sadi is instituting sweeping reforms aimed at curbing the chronic mismanagement that has plagued Algerian clubs. Recognizing the reckless overspending on player wages, particularly by clubs heavily reliant on public sector funding, Sadi, in his capacity as Minister of Youth and Sports, has introduced a salary cap for players in Algeria’s top division. This measure seeks to curb the financial hemorrhaging witnessed in recent years and establish a more sustainable and responsible economic model for Algerian football.

World Cup 2026: A Non-Negotiable Objective

Sadi has left no room for ambiguity regarding Algeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, placing it at the forefront of his strategic priorities. His mandate to national team coach Vladimir Petković is unequivocal: failure to qualify is not an option. “The primary mission of our national coach is to secure our place at the World Cup. Every remaining qualifier must be approached with the utmost seriousness. We must ensure that the mistakes of the past do not repeat themselves,” Sadi declared.

This statement reflects a clear break from the complacency that has, at times, marred Algeria’s World Cup campaigns. The heartbreak of missing out on Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, most painfully the controversial last-minute elimination against Cameroon in Blida, remains fresh in the minds of Algerians. The stakes could not be higher, and Sadi’s leadership seeks to inject a sense of urgency and unwavering determination into the national team setup.

Continental Power Struggles: Reclaiming Algeria’s Influence in CAF

Sadi’s vision extends beyond the pitch—he is also committed to reasserting Algeria’s influence within CAF’s decision-making structures. Securing a seat on the CAF Executive Committee is a strategic imperative, as Algeria has been systematically marginalized in recent years. The nation has repeatedly fallen victim to questionable refereeing decisions, unjust administrative rulings, and blatant favoritism in favor of select interests within African football.

A striking example was the CAF’s controversial ruling against USM Alger in the CAF Confederation Cup dispute with RS Berkane, a decision widely perceived as politically motivated and detrimental to Algerian clubs. Additionally, the persistent weaponization of officiating decisions against Algerian teams in continental competitions underscores the necessity of having strong representation within CAF to counteract these injustices.

Beyond individual match disputes, Algeria has continuously faced obstacles in its bids to host major African tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite boasting world-class infrastructure and a footballing heritage that commands respect, Algeria has seen its candidacy undermined by external lobbying efforts that have sought to diminish its standing within African football governance. Sadi’s push for a CAF Executive Committee seat aims to dismantle these networks of influence and re-establish Algeria as a powerhouse within the continental football landscape.

A Defining Moment for Algerian Football

Walid Sadi’s leadership embodies a new era of ambition, accountability, and strategic foresight. His commitment to financial discipline, institutional integrity, and sporting excellence reflects a holistic approach that goes beyond mere rhetoric. With Algeria’s football destiny hanging in the balance, his unwavering pursuit of World Cup qualification and CAF influence marks a critical juncture for the sport in the country.

Translated from:

https://www.echoroukonline.com/%d8%b5%d8%a7%d8%af%d9%8a-%d8%b9%d9%8a%d9%86-%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%89-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d9%88%d9%86%d8%af%d9%8a%d8%a7%d9%84-%d9%88%d8%a3%d8%ae%d8%b1%d9%89-%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%89-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d9%81%d9%88

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube