Algeria’s FAF tightens coaching requirements for Ligue 1 Mobilis

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has approved a series of major reforms aimed at raising coaching standards in Ligue 1 Mobilis, with stricter qualification requirements set to come into force over the next two seasons.

The measures were adopted during the Federal Bureau’s monthly statutory meeting on Saturday and represent a significant shift in the federation’s approach to coaching appointments in the country’s top division.

Under the new regulations, only coaches holding a CAF Pro, UEFA Pro or AFC Pro licence will be eligible to manage clubs in Ligue 1 Mobilis from the start of the 2026-27 season.

The decision effectively restricts access to coaching positions at the highest level to those who possess the most advanced qualifications recognised by the respective continental football confederations.

According to the new framework, clubs will be unable to register a head coach or obtain a coaching licence unless the individual meets the required certification criteria.

The reform is designed to enhance technical standards and ensure that top-flight teams are led by coaches with the highest recognised qualifications.

The federation has, however, introduced transitional measures for foreign coaches already working in Algeria. These coaches will be allowed to continue in their roles during the next season under exceptional provisions, provided they commit to completing the necessary training programme and obtaining the required diploma before the regulations are fully enforced.

Another key aspect of the reform concerns coaching mobility within the league. Foreign coaches will be limited to a single licence per season.

As a result, any foreign coach who leaves a club during a campaign will not be permitted to take charge of another Algerian side before the season ends.

The federation believes this measure will encourage greater technical stability at clubs while reducing the frequency of coaching changes and potential contractual disputes during the course of a season.

Algerian coaches will also be affected by the changes, although they have been granted an additional season to meet the new standards. Beginning with the 2027-28 campaign, national coaches will be subject to the same requirements as foreign counterparts.

From that point onward, only coaches holding a CAF Pro licence will be authorised to work in Ligue 1 Mobilis. The regulation will also apply to assistant coaches, extending the professional standards expected on technical benches across the league.

The reforms will culminate in the 2027-28 season, when the Professional Football League (LFP) will refuse to issue licences to clubs whose head coach and first assistant fail to satisfy the qualification requirements.

The move marks one of the most significant coaching reforms in recent years as Algerian football seeks to strengthen professional standards throughout its top division.