Former FAF President Kheireddine Zetchi imprisoned amid corruption investigation

Kheireddine Zetchi, the former president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), has been placed in custody following a judicial investigation into allegations of serious corruption. Zetchi, who led the FAF from 2017 to 2021, is facing multiple charges in connection with his tenure at the helm of the country’s football governing body.

On Wednesday, the Algerian press reported that the 59-year-old businessman, also the founder of Paradou AC, had been detained by the Algiers prosecutor’s office.

He was subsequently imprisoned at the Koléa prison, located in the Tipaza region, west of the capital, while awaiting trial.

The investigation, which involves Zetchi and several other high-ranking figures from the FAF, focuses on three major charges: the conclusion of contracts that allegedly violated the law, granting undue advantages to others; the voluntary squandering of public funds; and abuse of office.

These accusations have drawn attention to the management of football in Algeria during his leadership.

Zetchi’s legal troubles come at a time when there is growing concern within the FAF. Among those under investigation are his successors, including Charaf-Eddine Amara, the current president of the FAF, and Djahid Zefizef, the secretary general.

Mohamed Saad, Zetchi’s immediate predecessor, as well as Amine Labdi, the general manager, are also reportedly under scrutiny.

The investigation has led to increased uncertainty within the Algerian football establishment, with the possibility of further high-profile figures facing legal repercussions.

As the case develops, the spotlight will remain on Zetchi’s involvement in the alleged corruption, and the wider implications for the governance of football in the country.

𝗞𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗭𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶 𝗮 𝗲́𝘁𝗲́ 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲́ 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗘 𝗗𝗘́𝗣𝗢̂𝗧 𝗮̀ 𝗹𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲 𝗞𝗼𝗹𝗲́𝗮 😳⚖️

🗞️ Echourouk (🎖️) pic.twitter.com/PnHlRxhCRr

— 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗗𝘇𝗮𝗶𝗿 🇩🇿💫 (@arobasedzair2) November 27, 2024