The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) finds itself in an unprecedented situation as the Federal Bureau, responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, refrained from convening during the entirety of January, in apparent contravention of Article 35.1 of the FAF statutes.
Article 35.1 explicitly outlines that the Federal Bureau, under the leadership of President Walid Sadi, is mandated to meet at least once a month in an ordinary session, summoning its members ten days before the scheduled date.
The inexplicable failure to hold this routine meeting has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about the apparent lapse in governance within the FAF.
Noteworthy subjects, including the discord with national coach Djamel Belmadi, the question of his successor, the outcomes of the AFCON-2023, concerns over arbitration, the ongoing transfer window, and impending deadlines, remain unaddressed in the absence of a convened Federal Bureau meeting.
While it is recognized that national football matters necessitate more than a monthly gathering, especially in critical junctures, the absence of any session becomes conspicuous in light of the multifaceted challenges facing Algerian football.
Mustapha Hassani, the Sports Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, remarked that federations, including the FAF, can compensate for missed sessions and urged them to adhere to their statutory obligations, particularly the Federal Bureau.
The situation takes a curious turn with the announcement of an ad-hoc commission, responsible for evaluating the profile of the next coach.
This move, falling within the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau per Article 36 of the FAF statutes, was declared through a press release without prior consultation.
There are murmurs that President Walid Sadi, having formed an Emergency Committee, is seemingly bypassing the Federal Bureau.
This committee, comprised of Sadi, Secretary General Nadir Bouznad, Chareb Nacer, and Karim Kaced, takes decisions requiring ratification by the Federal Office, which is obligated to ensure adherence to statutes and adopt executive provisions as per Article 36.
The governance uncertainties within the FAF add complexity to an already tumultuous period for Algerian football, prompting calls for transparent and accountable leadership.
