Exclusive: FAF’s strategy could push Vladimir Petkovic towards Algeria exit

Vladimir Petkovic’s future as Algeria head coach remains uncertain, with reports suggesting the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is exploring ways to encourage the Swiss-Bosnian coach to leave his post despite the absence of a contractual basis for dismissal.

According to La Gazette du Fennec (LGDF), the FAF is seeking an amicable agreement to end Petkovic’s tenure. However, if no settlement is reached, the coach could remain in charge when Algeria resumes competitive action in September.

Petkovic’s future still unresolved

Although speculation over Petkovic’s position has intensified, no final decision has been reached regarding his future.

The report states that the coach has achieved the objectives set by the Algerian Football Federation during his time in charge, making it difficult for the federation to terminate his contract without reaching an agreement.

Despite those results, questions have continued to surround his style of play and the team’s performances, which, according to the report, have failed to convince many supporters.

With public opinion reportedly turning against the coach, FAF president Walid Sadi is said to be looking for a solution that would allow both parties to separate without entering into a contractual dispute.

Home venues could become a key factor

According to the report, one possible factor that could influence Petkovic’s future concerns the venues where Algeria will play its home matches.

During his first two years in charge, the coach gradually moved the national team away from the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki after Algeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to Guinea in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, a match that ended with boos from supporters.

Before that defeat, Algeria had hosted Bolivia and South Africa during the FIFA Series in 2024 at the same stadium.

Following the loss to Guinea, Petkovic oversaw matches in Annaba, Oran and Constantine before making the Hocine Aït-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou the team’s primary home venue.

According to the report, the national team found a more comfortable environment there, with the stadium becoming the preferred location for home fixtures.

Potential return to Algiers

LGDF reports that Petkovic may not have the opportunity to continue using Tizi-Ouzou as Algeria’s home base.

Instead, future fixtures could reportedly return to either the renovated July 5, 1962 Stadium in Algiers or the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

The report suggests such a move would expose the coach to a more demanding atmosphere from supporters in the capital at a time when his relationship with sections of the fanbase is already under scrutiny.

It also notes that Petkovic could return to work without experienced internationals Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi, two players who had played an important role within the squad during his tenure.

According to the report, the coach relied on both players to help maintain the dressing-room environment during his first two years in charge.

Uncertainty remains ahead of September

For now, Petkovic officially remains Algeria’s head coach, and there has been no confirmation that his contract will be terminated.

However, LGDF reports that his working environment could become increasingly challenging if discussions over his future fail to produce an amicable solution.

With uncertainty surrounding his relationship with supporters, reported concerns within the dressing room and the Algerian Football Federation’s apparent reluctance to continue the partnership, the coming weeks are expected to be decisive.

Whether Petkovic remains in charge for Algeria’s September fixtures or departs beforehand will depend on the outcome of ongoing discussions between the coach and the federation.