Vladimir Petkovic resists FAF demand to change Algeria backroom staff

Vladimir Petkovic’s future as Algeria head coach has taken a new twist after he firmly rejected a key condition set by the technical committee of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).

Following Algeria’s early exit at the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16, Petkovic nevertheless received the committee’s backing to continue in the job, with a recommendation for his renewal due to be passed on to the FAF.

However, the committee’s support came with one major demand: that the rest of his technical staff be replaced, potentially including the appointment of an Algerian assistant alongside him. According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, Petkovic is “absolutely against” this idea and wants to keep his entire backroom team in place.

Vladimir Petkovic started working with Algeria in February 2024. In 39 games with Algeria, the Fennecs have won 24, drawn 9, and lost 6.

The Swiss-Bosnian coach is said to refuse any continuation without his trusted colleagues Davide Morandi, Paolo Rongoni and Guido Nanni, even though Morandi has already been at the centre of controversy in recent weeks.

If Petkovic does not accept the committee’s recommendation, the FAF could turn to a contract termination clause reportedly allowing either party to end the agreement for just two months’ salary, around €320,000, following a pre-World Cup extension.