Vladimir Petkovic poised to end Algeria tenure after losing support

Vladimir Petkovic is expected to leave his position as Algeria manager after reportedly agreeing an amicable separation with the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), only two months after extending his contract until 2028.

The 62-year-old Swiss-Bosnian coach had appeared increasingly likely to remain in charge of the Fennecs. However, reports from several trusted sources, including La Gazette du Fennec and journalist Hafid Derradji, say Petkovic has now decided to step down.

An agreement was reportedly reached on Sunday, despite Petkovic having previously received approval from the national technical committee to continue in the role following what the reports describe as the failure of the 2026 World Cup campaign.

Petkovic had apparently accepted the federation’s conditions for staying, including a major reshaping of his coaching staff. Those plans would have involved replacing his assistants with Algerian coaches.

However, discussions with FAF president Walid Sadi on Friday are said to have resulted in an agreement to terminate Petkovic’s contract. Under the reported arrangement, the manager and his assistants would receive compensation equivalent to three months of salary.

Petkovic is understood to have concluded that the circumstances surrounding his position were no longer favourable. His unpopular decisions had reportedly cost him the backing of supporters, former figures around the national team and members of the dressing room.

Rather than continue to fight to retain the job, Petkovic is said to have accepted that his time in charge is coming to an end. The FAF is expected to confirm his departure officially in the coming days.

The reported decision leaves Algeria searching for a new manager before the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins in September.

According to La Gazette du Fennec, a committee of experts will meet this week to assess about 10 candidates. The group is then expected to draw up a shortlist of three names to submit to the FAF, which will make the final decision.

There has been speculation about a possible move for Herve Renard, who is reportedly attracting significant interest elsewhere in Africa. Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire are both said to be keen on the experienced coach.

Conflicting reports have also emerged about the possibility of Algeria appointing a Spanish coach. No successor has yet been confirmed, and the FAF’s next decision will set the direction of the team ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Petkovic was appointed Algeria manager after his previous spell in charge of Switzerland and had been expected to lead the Fennecs through the next phase of their international programme. His reported departure would instead bring an abrupt end to a tenure that had been extended only recently.