Achraf Abada has completed his long-awaited move to USM Alger after days of uncertainty, with the transfer finally ratified following intervention from FIFA to resolve procedural issues.
The Algerian international A’ midfielder joins the Algiers-based club from ASO Chlef on a three-and-a-half-year contract, bringing an end to a transfer saga that had left supporters of the Red and Black waiting for clarity.
Confirmation arrived late on Thursday, 5 February, when both clubs issued official statements announcing the deal.
USM Alger explained that the transfer was validated through FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS) at 00:05 on Thursday, 31 January 2026.
The club said its management had received a favourable response to a formal request submitted to FIFA, confirming that the move now fully complies with international regulatory procedures.
The statement put an end to several days of confusion, during which the transfer had initially been blocked.
According to information obtained by Foot Afrique, USM Alger were only able to resume the appeal process after an initial rejection, using an exceptional procedure that ultimately allowed the deal to go through.
In its communication, the Soustara club underlined that the final outcome was the result of close coordination between all parties involved.
USM Alger’s management publicly thanked their counterparts at ASO Chlef for their cooperation and contribution in ensuring the transfer was completed in a calm and orderly manner, despite the administrative hurdles encountered along the way.
ASO Chlef, for their part, also addressed the departure of the 25-year-old with a message posted on their official Facebook page.
The club expressed gratitude to Abada for his five seasons of service, a period marked by consistent performances and highlighted by victory in the Algerian Cup in 2023.
Chlef wished the midfielder success as he begins the next chapter of his career in the capital.
For USM Alger, Abada’s arrival represents the conclusion of a deal pursued with determination despite setbacks.
EL HEDDAF L’OFFICIALISE
La FIFA accepte le transfert de Achraf Abada à l’USMA et par conséquent, il est donc bel et bien un nouveau joueur de l’USM Alger
Al hamdoulilah ☝️ ! Vivement l’officialisation https://t.co/M1OANxjacc pic.twitter.com/UCkzQALUpB
— Kado 🇩🇿🇦🇴 (@Usmiste__) February 5, 2026
The player now joins his new teammates after a transfer process that tested patience but ultimately delivered the outcome both clubs and the player had been seeking.
With the administrative obstacles now cleared, attention will turn to Abada’s integration into the USM Alger squad, as supporters look ahead to seeing their new signing in competitive action following a move finally made official.
