Lucas Alcaraz, who was dismissed as coach of the Algerian national team in October 2017, has filed a complaint with FIFA, accusing the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) of an “abusive” and “arbitrary” dismissal. The Spanish coach argued that the national team had already been eliminated from contention for the 2018 World Cup before his appointment.
FAF president Kheireddine Zetchi addressed the matter during the federation’s Ordinary General Assembly, clarifying that the case is still pending with FIFA. “Alcaraz’s case is with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). It’s important to know that we haven’t spent a single cent on this matter, apart from his salary while he was employed. If we had, the entries would have been recorded in the financial statements,” Zetchi explained, as reported by Football 365.
He added, “I remind you that his case is still ongoing. We can’t pay someone with whom we are in litigation. When FIFA renders its verdict, if we feel wronged by the world governing body’s decision, we will have the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and we will continue the proceedings. The day the proceedings and all avenues of appeal are exhausted, we will be ordered to pay. We will also be required to inform the public of the amount.”
Zetchi’s comments highlight the FAF’s approach to ongoing legal disputes, emphasizing that no payments will be made until FIFA reaches a final decision and all appeal options are exhausted. The federation’s caution comes amid similar cases in African football, such as Tunisia being ordered to pay €554,000 to Henry Kasperczak, the former coach of the Carthage Eagles, following his successful lawsuit against the Tunisian Football Federation.
The outcome of Alcaraz’s case remains pending, and the FAF will follow FIFA’s ruling and, if necessary, pursue further appeals through CAS before any settlement is made.
