Algeria Barred from CHAN Qualifiers After Libya Boycott
Algeria’s national team will not participate in the upcoming qualifiers for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the competition reserved exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues. This absence follows a suspension handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a sanction resulting from Algeria’s withdrawal from the 2014 CHAN qualifiers.
In 2013, Algeria refused to play both legs of their qualifying tie against Libya, scheduled for June 23 in Algiers and July 5 in Tripoli. The decision led to immediate disqualification and financial penalties. Now, CAF has extended the punishment, excluding Algeria from the next CHAN campaign, despite efforts by Algerian football authorities to appeal.
FAF’s Justification Falls Short
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF), led by president Mohamed Raouraoua, had argued that security concerns in Libya, amid deteriorating diplomatic relations and regional instability, made the matches unsafe. In a statement to CAF, the FAF also cited a depleted squad as a contributing factor:
“This withdrawal is motivated by the inability to field a competitive team due to multiple injuries, the unavailability of key players who transferred abroad, and the impossibility of calling up replacements from the domestic league, which concluded on May 21,” the statement read.
Despite these explanations, CAF upheld its decision, reaffirming the importance of compliance and continuity within its competitions.
A Rare Appearance
Algeria’s absence will be notable, especially as the team has only once featured in the CHAN tournament. That appearance came in 2011, when the Fennecs finished fourth in Sudan under the guidance of coach Abdelhak Benchikha.
In contrast, Libya, the team Algeria refused to face, went on to achieve a remarkable victory in the 2014 edition, clinching the title after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over Ghana in the final.
With Algeria’s suspension now confirmed, attention will shift to the impact this will have on local player development and future participation. CHAN remains a vital platform for showcasing homegrown talent, and Algeria’s continued absence could prove a setback for its domestic football structure.
