Algeria refuse Nice request to delay Hicham Boudaoui’s national team arrival

Hicham Boudaoui is set to report to the Algerian national team on schedule after coach Vladimir Petkovic reportedly rejected a request from OGC Nice to delay the midfielder’s arrival.

The dispute comes at a critical stage of the season, with Nice battling to preserve their Ligue 1 status while Algeria prepare for the 2026 World Cup campaign.

The French club had asked for special permission to keep Boudaoui for a few extra days in order to include him in relegation playoff matches against AS Saint-Étienne scheduled for May 26 and May 29.

The request was reportedly submitted to both the Algerian Football Federation and FIFA as Nice attempted to retain one of their key midfield players for the decisive fixtures.

However, the appeal was said to have been rejected after FIFA reiterated that players involved in preparations for the 2026 World Cup must join their national teams from May 25.

Petkovic is also understood to have backed that position, insisting that Boudaoui arrive at Algeria’s training camp without delay.

The Algerian manager reportedly views the Nice midfielder as an essential part of his plans and wants all important squad members available from the opening day of the camp.

Boudaoui’s injury record is also believed to have influenced the decision taken by the Algerian coaching staff. Concerns reportedly remain over the physical demands of the high-pressure playoff matches and the possibility of the midfielder suffering a setback before international duty.

While Nice are fighting to avoid relegation and hoped to rely on Boudaoui during the crucial end-of-season fixtures, Algeria appear determined not to compromise their preparations ahead of the World Cup.

The disagreement has therefore placed the player at the centre of a difficult situation between club and country, with both sides prioritising different objectives during the closing weeks of the campaign.

Despite the importance of the matches for Nice, Petkovic reportedly remains unwilling to postpone Boudaoui’s arrival, as Algeria continue preparations with the intention of having all key players available immediately.