Maghnes Akliouche cannot represent Algeria national football team after choosing France national football team, with FIFA regulations preventing any reversal of his sporting nationality.
The midfielder, who had previously been approached by Algeria, committed to France and has appeared in each of the last three international breaks.
Despite speculation linking him to a potential switch, administrative rules mean the decision is irreversible.
Questions resurfaced recently as rumours circulated suggesting the player might change allegiance.
However, the regulations governing international eligibility rule out such a move regardless of circumstances.
Akliouche made his official debut for France after turning 21, appearing in a match against Ukraine on 5 September.
Even a brief appearance was sufficient to permanently tie him to France because the age condition for a later switch had already been exceeded.
Under FIFA rules, three requirements must be satisfied for a player to change sporting nationality: being under 21 at the time of the last official match for the previous national side, having played no more than three senior matches, and allowing three years to pass without further appearances while also not taking part in a final tournament.
Failing the first condition invalidates the others, meaning his number of caps is irrelevant.
His club performances for AS Monaco have also drawn discussion.
The team has experienced a difficult season, with the player registering 30 matches, four goals and five assists.
On RMC Sport, pundit Daniel Riolo said: ” Akliouche ? I wouldn’t understand him being with Les Bleus at the World Cup. Mind you, he’s almost 24. He mustn’t choose the wrong club. He’s not exactly a revelation anymore ,”
Although he has been seen celebrating Algeria’s successes, including a recent Africa Cup of Nations victory for the Desert Foxes, such support has no administrative impact.
He can follow the team but cannot represent it.
The regulations therefore settle the matter definitively: Akliouche’s international future remains exclusively with France.
