Algeria U17: Yacine Abed left out of World Cup preparation squad

Yacine Abed has been omitted from Algeria’s 24-man squad for the tournament in Croatia, the final major stage of preparation before November’s U17 World Cup.

The Paradou AC winger was a prominent figure in the team’s run at the CAN and his absence from Amine Ghimouz’s squad has therefore raised questions. In particular, attention has focused on whether it is linked to the controversy surrounding his recent trip to Qatar.

Abed has not, however, been excluded from Algeria’s youth set-up altogether. Karim Ziani has selected him for the U17 B team, which will play friendly matches against Tunisia during the same international window.

Ghimouz’s side will face Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Hungary and Qatar in the tournament. Abed’s inclusion in Ziani’s group indicates that the door to the national federation remains open, although he is currently separated from the squad preparing directly for the World Cup.

The timing of the decisions also makes it difficult to conclude that the player has been punished. Abed had already been moved into Ziani’s group at the beginning of September, before his journey to Doha led to the controversy.

No official from the Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF) has described his omission from the Croatia squad as a disciplinary measure.

There is also a sporting explanation for the division between the two teams. The FAF has entrusted Ziani with a second U17 side representing the next generation, while Ghimouz works with the group aiming to prepare for the World Cup.

The Qatar episode remains relevant to the situation. Paradou AC said Abed was under contract and referred the matter to the federation after his trip, at a time when reports were circulating about a possible move to Al-Ahli and speculation over naturalisation.

Information published since then does not establish that the dispute was the official reason for Ghimouz’s selection decision. It does explain why every development involving Abed is now being closely examined.

There are also two months to go before the World Cup, meaning the Croatia squad should not necessarily be viewed as a definitive prediction of the group that will travel to the tournament. Several other players who featured at the CAN have also been left out of this gathering, suggesting that Ghimouz is using the event to reassess his options.

Abed will continue to represent Algeria with the U17 B team. For a player who played an important part in the team’s CAN campaign, the immediate objective is to regain his place in the group targeting the World Cup.

For now, there is no evidence that the Qatar affair has cost him that opportunity.