The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) faces an unexpected hurdle in the negotiations for the departure of coach Djamel Belmadi. As the FAF seeks to move forward and find a successor, the standoff between Belmadi and the federation appears to be complicating matters.
Belmadi, who officially remains the coach of the national team, announced his departure after the shocking defeat to Mauritania, sparking a series of negotiations regarding the termination of his contract.
The FAF, however, finds itself entangled in a deadlock with Belmadi, who is reportedly seeking significant compensation for an amicable parting.
Reports suggest that the FAF is considering a compensation package of six monthly payments, amounting to 1.25 million euros, to facilitate the termination of Belmadi’s contract, which extends until 2026.
The coach, currently residing at the national technical center in Sidi-Moussa, demands a resolution that aligns with his expectations.
An anticipated meeting between President Walid Sadi and Belmadi to finalize the contract termination did not materialize, creating an unexpected standoff.
Belmadi reportedly departed for Doha without reaching an agreement, and tensions between the coach and the FAF president persist.
The strained relations between Belmadi and the FAF president have raised concerns about the timely appointment of a successor.
The Algerian media highlights the potential impact of this standoff on the national team’s preparations, characterizing it as an “indignity” on the part of the coach.
As the FAF navigates the complexities of finding a new coach, potential candidates have surfaced. Hervé Renard, currently under contract with the French Football Federation until August, emerges as a popular choice, albeit with contractual complications.
Vahid Halilhodzic, a familiar face having led the Algerian team in the past, is also in consideration, although his controversial departure in 2014 raises skepticism.
The coaching search faces further challenges with the refusal of Zinedine Zidane to accept the role, leaving the FAF exploring various options amid a complex and delicate situation.
The Algerian football community watches with anticipation and uncertainty as the federation strives to navigate through these intricacies in securing a new leader for the national team.
