Algerian referee Etchiali achieves academic milestone alongside arbitration career
Abdelhak Etchiali, the renowned Algerian referee with a distinguished record in international football, has added a significant academic achievement to his illustrious career by successfully obtaining his State Doctorate degree in computer science. This accomplishment underscores his multifaceted talent beyond the football pitch, earning him accolades as one of Algeria’s most accomplished arbiters.
Etchiali’s academic triumph comes against the backdrop of recent changes in Algerian football administration, including shifts in refereeing leadership following Walid Sadi’s election as president of the Algerian Football Federation.
Amidst these changes, Etchiali’s departure from his role as National Technical Director of Arbitration has been noted as a loss for Algerian refereeing, given his impeccable integrity and expertise.
Prior to his academic pursuit, Etchiali served as a beacon of excellence in football refereeing, boasting a distinguished career that includes officiating in three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, and 2022) and four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022).
His departure from administrative duties was lamented by many in the football community, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the development of referees in Algeria.
Despite the transition, Etchiali remained focused on his academic endeavors, successfully defending his Doctorate thesis titled “Selection of Web Services Taking Into Account Dynamic and Uncertain Quality of Service” at Abou Bekr Belkaïd University in Tlemcen.
This academic feat further solidifies Etchiali’s reputation as a polymath, balancing his commitments in football arbitration with scholarly pursuits.
Looking ahead, Etchiali’s academic accomplishment positions him as a role model for aspiring referees and underscores the importance of continuous learning and personal development in the sports industry.
While his immediate future may lie in academia, his expertise remains a valuable asset for Algerian football, offering a beacon of hope for the next generation of referees.
As Etchiali continues to navigate the intersection of academia and sports, his unwavering dedication to excellence serves as a testament to his enduring impact on Algerian football and beyond.
With his remarkable achievements both on and off the field, Etchiali exemplifies the epitome of success and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and scholars alike.
