Algeria consider contract termination for Petkovic assistant Davide Morandi

lgeria’s football federation is reportedly considering terminating the contract of assistant coach Davide Morandi without compensation as part of an expected restructuring of the national team’s coaching staff following the country’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

According to El Khabar, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) believes Morandi may have breached his contractual obligations through a series of public media appearances, potentially allowing the governing body to end his contract without making a financial settlement.

The reported move comes as the federation reviews the future of members of Vladimir Petkovic’s backroom team after Algeria’s exit from the World Cup.

While changes within the coaching staff had already been widely anticipated, Morandi’s departure could take place under different circumstances if the alleged contractual breach is upheld.

The issue centres on Morandi’s appearances on several Swiss television channels following Algeria’s elimination from the tournament.

He was also seen in a Swiss supporters’ fan zone during the match between Switzerland and Argentina, incidents that attracted criticism in Algeria.

The FAF reportedly considers those public appearances and comments to be inconsistent with the level of discretion expected from members of the national team’s coaching staff.

If that interpretation is maintained, the federation believes it could end Morandi’s contract without paying compensation.

While Morandi’s future appears uncertain, Vladimir Petkovic’s position as head coach could remain unchanged despite Algeria’s elimination in the round of 32.

According to the available information, an immediate departure is considered unlikely unless both parties agree to an amicable separation.

Financial considerations are understood to be a significant factor in that decision. Petkovic is said to have signed a contract extension shortly before the World Cup, with terms that would make terminating his agreement expensive for the Algerian Football Federation.

Instead of dismissing the head coach outright, the federation is reportedly considering a major overhaul of the technical staff while leaving Petkovic in charge.

The objective, according to the information available, is to reduce costs while reshaping the coaching structure following the team’s disappointing campaign.

Reports from several Algerian media outlets also suggest that Petkovic submitted a critical assessment of the squad after the World Cup.

The report is said to have highlighted inconsistency among experienced players, defensive weaknesses and disciplinary concerns observed during the tournament.

The atmosphere surrounding the national team has remained tense in the aftermath of the competition, and Morandi’s possible departure could represent the first significant change in what may become a wider restructuring process.

If the reported plans are confirmed, the federation will face the challenge of rebuilding its coaching team while seeking to move on from what has been described as one of the most disappointing chapters in Algeria’s recent football history.