Algerian FA proposes major overhaul to national league system

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed plans to restructure its domestic league system, with proposals aimed at reducing costs and improving competition standards across divisions.

In a press release, the federation’s federal office stated it had reviewed a report from an ad-hoc committee responsible for evaluating possible reforms to the current competition structure.

The document outlines a clear shift in direction, signalling one of the most significant changes in Algerian football in recent years.

The proposal seeks to reintroduce a single-group Ligue 2 consisting of 18 clubs, replacing the existing format of two groups of 16 teams, which currently makes up a total of 32 clubs.

The move intends to streamline operations, create more balanced competition, and improve the league’s overall financial sustainability.

The committee also recommended the introduction of federal contracts for players, ensuring guaranteed salaries and improved professional standards.

This change aims to enhance the welfare of players while giving clubs clearer financial obligations.

“The report proposes an economic and sporting strategy that will make participation in national competitions more efficient while reducing the operational and logistical costs for clubs,” the FAF explained in its statement.

At the third-tier level, the reforms would eliminate the existing inter-regional league system. In its place, the federation plans to establish a new League 3 under the management of the National Amateur Football League.

The revamped structure would include only 36 clubs, split into two groups, replacing the current six groups comprising 96 teams.

This restructuring seeks to promote better competition, reduce administrative burden, and ensure clubs at the lower levels can operate under more sustainable conditions.

Additionally, the FAF has proposed the creation of a tenth regional league, based in Tamanrasset, to improve football development and access in southern Algeria.

This addition would expand regional representation and strengthen the federation’s reach across the country.

The federation emphasised that the report will undergo extensive consultation before any final decisions are made.

“This report will first be submitted to the National Technical College for debate and feedback, before being presented to all relevant stakeholders for broader consultation,” the FAF said.

Following these discussions, the final version of the proposal will be presented to the FAF Federal Office and, subsequently, to the federation’s General Assembly for formal approval.

If adopted, the new structure could come into effect as early as next season, marking a fresh chapter in Algerian football’s ongoing efforts to modernise and professionalise its domestic competitions.

The proposed reforms align with a wider vision of strengthening the economic and technical foundations of the national game.

They reflect the FAF’s commitment to improving both the professional and amateur levels of Algerian football while addressing the long-standing challenges of resource management and league organisation.