The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of the departure of Djamel Belmadi, the revered coach of the Algerian national team. The aftermath has been described as amateurish and marked by a breach of promises, leading to a cascade of negative consequences.
President Walid Sadi, currently at the helm of the FAF, has faced severe criticism for his alleged failure to honor financial commitments to the players.
Despite promises to pay bonuses following successful World Cup qualifying matches in November, players claim Sadi reneged on his word, creating an environment of discontent.
This, coupled with the president’s unexpected appearance in Bouaké, left an indelible mark on the strained relationship between Sadi and the team.
One of the primary grievances revolves around the qualification bonus for the AFCON-2023, which players assert was neglected by President Sadi.
He attributed the oversight to a lack of information handed over by his predecessor, Djahid Zefizef.
However, the timeline provided by players contradicts this assertion, as Zefizef had resigned before the relevant match against Tanzania in September 2023.
The aftermath of this mismanagement was palpable during the match against Mauritania, where President Sadi’s absence from the locker room after the game raised eyebrows.
Traditionally, such moments call for words of comfort and solidarity with the players, a sentiment seemingly abandoned by Sadi.
Instead, he faced the cameras amidst disgruntled supporters, contributing to the emergence of discontent, with chants of “Belmadi get out” echoing.
The subsequent leaks, portraying Belmadi in a negative light, have further fueled the controversy.
Allegations of financial impropriety and an uncoordinated contract have tarnished the reputation of a coach previously lauded as the “Minister of Happiness” by supporters.
Critics argue that Sadi had the opportunity for discreet and diplomatic resolution behind closed doors upon his return to Algiers.
However, the public spectacle and ambiguous statements to the press exacerbated the situation, leading to a disastrous management outcome that transcends football, impacting the image of the nation itself.
The football fraternity watches with bated breath as Algeria grapples with the fallout from this managerial debacle, wondering about the lasting repercussions on the team’s morale and the broader perception of Algerian football on the international stage.
