Former Algeria FA presidents face combined 30-year prison demand

Three former presidents of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) face a requested 10-year prison sentence each after prosecutors made their case in a financial irregularities trial in Algiers.

Kheireddine Zetchi, Charaf-Eddine Amara and Djahid Zefizef are among 19 people being prosecuted in proceedings before the economic and financial criminal division of the Sidi M’Hamed court. The public prosecutor presented the demands on Thursday 15 October, following three days of hearings focused on commercial contracts, spending and administrative decisions at the FAF.

According to Algerie 360°, prosecutors also sought 10-year sentences for three other former federation officials, including two former general secretaries.

The demands against the three former FAF presidents amount to a combined 30 years in prison. Prosecutors additionally requested seven-year prison terms for several other defendants, including a former manager of the national team.

Former members of the federation’s executive committee involved in the case face proposed sentences of between five and seven years. Fines were also requested.

The judicial agent representing the public treasury, which has joined the proceedings as a civil party, is seeking 900 million Algerian dinars – nearly 6 million euros – in compensation for the alleged damage.

The prosecution’s requests relate to the management of the FAF under several successive presidencies. They do not represent a verdict, and all those being prosecuted remain presumed innocent.

Contracts examined in court

During Thursday’s hearing, Zetchi was questioned about a number of contracts agreed during his time as president, including the FAF’s arrangements with sportswear company Adidas and Tunisian agency Concorde Voyages.

He defended the federation’s administrative procedures and said financial decisions were not based solely on his signature.

Zetchi was also asked why Concorde Voyages had been selected without a tender process. He said there was no equivalent service available in Algeria.

“Who would we have invited to tender? This service does not exist in Algeria,” he replied.

On the Adidas agreement, Zetchi said the partnership involved supplying equipment to the national teams rather than making a direct financial payment to the federation.

The court also heard evidence concerning expenditure during the Covid-19 pandemic, the rental of an apartment and the remuneration of Amine Labdi, who previously worked as the national team’s manager.

The case centres on alleged financial irregularities within the FAF and has brought Algerian football back into the judicial spotlight. Further proceedings will determine the outcome after the prosecution’s requests.