Djamel Belmadi’s future as the national team’s coach remains uncertain. Although discussions about his departure have lingered, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is taking proactive steps to explore potential successors.
In a press release published on the FAF website on Sunday, February 4, the federation outlined its plans: “The President of the FAF Mr. Walid Sadi will proceed this Monday to the installation of an Ad-Hoc commission responsible for examining the candidacies for the position of national coach of the national team A.
The commission will submit its conclusions within a deadline not exceeding ten days.”
Djamel Belmadi, who led Algeria to victory in the 2019 African Cup of Nations, had initially agreed to resign after the team’s early exit from AFCON 2023.
However, complications arose when he later refused to step down, leading to speculations about financial settlements.
Reports in the local press suggested a possible payment of 1.25 million euros to terminate his contract, which extends until 2026.
As the situation remains unresolved, the FAF has swiftly initiated the process of finding a new coach to lead the Fennecs.
Among the names circulating in Algerian media as potential candidates are former Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic and Branko Ivankovic, former Croatia assistant coach in the 1990s.
Belmadi’s tenure, which began in 2018 and culminated in Algeria’s AFCON triumph, faced challenges when the team failed to secure a spot in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The unfolding chapter now marks a pivotal moment for Algerian football, with the nation anticipating the appointment of a new leader to guide the national team into the future.
