Algeria’s head coach Vladimir Petkovic has remained out of sight since the national team’s 2–0 defeat by Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on 10 January, prompting growing questions about his presence, his contractual obligations and his future with the Greens.
The Swiss coach has not appeared publicly since that elimination at AFCON-2025, nor has he addressed the media or held meetings to present an assessment of Algeria’s campaign, unlike several of his counterparts following the tournament.
His absence has drawn attention to the terms of his contract with the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), signed in February 2024 and valid until 31 July 2026.
Article 6 of the agreement outlines Petkovic’s responsibilities, including “periodically supervising players in Algeria or abroad who are likely to be part of the national A team; submitting a monthly technical and statistical evaluation report on the national team’s preparation to the President of the FAF; and collaborating with the national technical directorate on the restructuring of national football.”
Article 7 further specifies his place of work, stating: “Mr. Petkovic Vladimir will perform his duties in Algeria. His usual place of work is primarily located at the National Technical Center in Sidi Moussa, Algiers.”
The contract also requires the national team coach to establish a quarterly work programme ensuring an effective presence of at least three weeks per month in Algeria, with days spent abroad on approved missions counted cumulatively.
Several of these obligations, notably the requirement regarding time spent in Algeria, are understood not to have been fulfilled.
Since the end of the Africa Cup of Nations, the FAF has limited its public communication to a brief paragraph in the report of its last federal bureau meeting, expressing satisfaction with the team’s overall performance and relaying congratulations from the President of the Republic to the players, technical staff led by Petkovic, and supporters who travelled to Morocco.
Petkovic’s absence has also been noted domestically.
Four Algerian clubs have played African club competitions at home in recent weeks, yet the national coach was not seen in the stands, despite ongoing concerns in certain positions, including goalkeeping.
Attention has now shifted to Petkovic’s longer-term future.
While the coach has returned to be with his family, the FAF has yet to announce the national team’s March schedule, with reports suggesting upcoming friendlies as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup.
Discussions have also taken place regarding a possible contract extension beyond the World Cup, with the next cycle set to include the 2027 and 2028 AFCONs.
Although an agreement in principle has reportedly been reached to prioritise continuity, both parties are expected to wait until after the World Cup to conduct a full evaluation.
For now, clarity is expected during the March international window, as the FAF weighs its options ahead of a crucial period for Algerian football.
