Walid Sadi Unveils Comprehensive Roadmap for Professional Football Reform

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 27th, 2024 — Algeria’s Minister of Sports, Walid Sadi, has outlined an ambitious roadmap aimed at revitalizing professional football in Algeria, set to commence implementation in January 2025. Speaking during a plenary session of the People’s National Assembly dedicated to oral questions, Sadi detailed the outcomes of a recent strategic meeting with representatives of national companies owning or holding stakes in professional football clubs. The discussions culminated in a preliminary action plan to address financial, organizational, and sporting challenges within the sector.

A Strategic Framework for Football Reform

Sadi emphasized that the meeting, part of the Ministry’s broader initiative to oversee sports governance in Algeria, allowed for an in-depth evaluation of the financial strains on professional clubs. These companies, as major financial contributors, have increasingly borne the brunt of spiraling expenses in the sector. “The roadmap focuses on reducing wage burdens starting from the 2025-2026 sports season and establishing reasonable ceilings for annual budgets,” stated Sadi, underlining the need for financial sustainability.

From a sporting perspective, the plan includes significant investment in youth development through the establishment of academies for under-11, under-13, and under-15 categories, beginning January 2025. Organizationally, the Ministry aims to introduce a unified structural model for professional sports clubs while mandating the inclusion of skilled professionals in management roles. Companies are also required to provide detailed assessments of their clubs’ legal, financial, administrative, and athletic situations, enabling the Ministry to enact corrective measures as necessary.

Zero Tolerance for Corruption

In response to parliamentary concerns about combating corruption in sports, Minister Sadi reaffirmed the Ministry’s uncompromising stance. “We are resolute in our fight against corruption at all levels, whether in central institutions, affiliated organizations, or sports regulatory bodies,” he asserted. A robust annual inspection program, spearheaded by the Ministry’s Inspectorate General, has been instituted to scrutinize operations across all tiers of the sports sector.

Sadi further highlighted ongoing collaboration with the National Authority for the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption, focusing on capacity-building, awareness programs, and the modernization of legal frameworks. The introduction of an executive decree governing the funding and oversight of sports organizations is also in the pipeline, designed to safeguard public funds and uphold principles of integrity and transparency in financial management.

Commitment to Equitable Development

Addressing calls for heightened attention to the sports sector in Algeria’s remote southern regions, Sadi pledged to prioritize resource allocation and capacity-building initiatives. “We recognize the pressing need to revive sports activities in underserved areas by addressing both material deficiencies and the shortage of qualified personnel to mentor young talents,” he stated.

This proactive and multifaceted approach underscores Walid Sadi’s commitment to not only enhancing the professionalism of Algerian football but also fostering transparency and accountability across the sports landscape. His leadership aims to position sports as a pivotal component of national pride and sustainable development, reflecting a vision for a dynamic and inclusive future.

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