Algeria’s search for a new manager suffers setback as candidate rejects FAF proposal

The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) has reportedly suffered a setback in its search for a new manager, with Gustavo Poyet said to have rejected a proposed salary of €103,000 net per month.

Algeria remain without a head coach with only one month to go before the national team’s next international window, which runs from 21 September to 6 October. The FAF is continuing to assess possible candidates as it attempts to appoint a successor.

Poyet, the former Greece manager, had emerged as one of the names linked with the vacancy and was reportedly involved in discussions with the Algerian federation. However, according to information from Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, the Uruguayan turned down an offer worth €103,000 net per month.

The same monthly salary was reportedly proposed to the other members of Poyet’s prospective coaching staff, but that proposal was also rejected.

The development adds to the uncertainty surrounding the appointment process. Paulo Bento had previously been described as the leading candidate for the position, but representatives of the former Portugal manager have denied that he agreed to take charge of Algeria.

Bento’s agent said the contact with the FAF amounted only to an initial exchange of information. No formal offer was reportedly made to the Portuguese coach.

The federation is also believed to be negotiating with two managers who are currently under contract elsewhere. Their identities have not been disclosed, although both are said to be prepared to leave their present positions immediately if an agreement can be reached.

The reported figures have raised questions about the FAF’s finances. The organisation was initially prepared to offer the next Algeria manager the same salary earned by Vladimir Petkovic, understood to be €160,000 per month.

That would represent a significant difference from the €103,000 reportedly offered to Poyet and his staff. If the information is confirmed, the gap could prompt further scrutiny of the federation’s financial position and its approach to appointing the next manager.

The FAF must now continue its search while the start of Algeria’s next international period approaches. Its talks with more than one potential candidate remain ongoing, but no appointment has yet been confirmed.

Poyet’s reported rejection means that another option has moved away from the role at a time when the federation is under pressure to resolve the vacancy. The identity of the two contracted managers in negotiations, and whether either can be released from their current clubs or national teams, has not been made public.