Kheireddine Zetchi, the former president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and chairman of Paradou AC, may face further legal trouble as the ongoing investigation into the transfer of Mohamed Rafik Omar reveals deeper irregularities.
The 19-year-old midfielder’s move to Qatari club Al Shamal SC in February 2023 is now under scrutiny, with suspicions surrounding the transaction’s legitimacy.
Questionable transfer dealings
Omar’s move to Qatar was part of a larger deal involving two other Algerian players, Fouad Hanfoug and Abdelghani Lallam, all transferred through the same network of agents.
Sources indicate that these dealings were not only facilitated under dubious conditions but also orchestrated by individuals closely linked to Zetchi.
The player’s journey raises concerns, particularly because Omar was a product of the FAF Academy in Khemis Miliana, a government-funded institution designed to develop young Algerian talent.
Despite being trained with public funds, his rights were reportedly controlled by Paradou AC, which ultimately sold him for approximately €500,000 to Al Shamal SC.
This has prompted questions about whether the club had any legitimate ownership claim over the player.
Influence and manipulation allegations
While Zetchi was no longer at the helm of the FAF at the time of the transfer—having stepped down in 2021—investigators suspect that his influence remained intact through key figures still active within Algerian football circles.
One of his close associates, who allegedly maintained ties with former national team coach Djamel Belmadi, is believed to have played a role in facilitating the move.
Furthermore, reports suggest that Omar had an opportunity to join Spanish side Real Valladolid after successful trials, but this path was mysteriously blocked in favor of the transfer to Qatar.
Investigators are now probing whether external pressures or financial motivations influenced the decision.
Legal and sporting implications
Zetchi has been in custody since November on separate allegations, and this latest development could further entangle him in legal proceedings.
Authorities are expected to examine whether he or his associates manipulated the transfer market for personal or financial gain.
The case is likely to have broader repercussions within Algerian football, as it may expose systemic issues in player transfers, particularly those involving young talents trained in state-funded academies.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, potentially linking high-ranking figures in Algerian football to questionable practices.
For now, the case remains open, with the potential for significant consequences for those involved.
