Walid Saadi has been re-elected as president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) for a new Olympic mandate (2025-2029), securing an overwhelming majority in Tuesday’s electoral assembly.
The incumbent leader, who ran unopposed, outlined an ambitious plan aimed at revitalizing Algerian football at both domestic and international levels.
The election took place at the National Army Club in Beni Messous, Algiers, where Saadi’s leadership was reaffirmed with 76 votes out of 78.
His list, which includes 12 members, two vice-presidents, and five substitutes, was approved without difficulty, cementing his position at the helm of Algerian football for another term.
Saadi initially took charge of the federation on September 21, 2023, when he was elected to complete the remaining term of former president Jahid Zefizef, who had resigned.
Now, with a full mandate ahead, he faces the challenge of steering Algerian football towards a more successful future.
Key priorities for the new term
With Algeria’s recent struggles on the international stage, including an early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and failure to qualify for the last two World Cups, Saadi has set his sights on restoring the national team’s competitiveness.
A major objective will be ensuring the Fennecs are fully prepared for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, as they seek to reclaim their status among Africa’s elite.
Beyond the senior national team, the newly re-elected president is also focusing on domestic football development.
One of his key initiatives is the enhancement of youth training programs, with clubs required to establish academies starting next season.
This move is aimed at fostering the next generation of Algerian talent and strengthening the foundation of the national team.
Additionally, Saadi has emphasized the need for greater professionalization within Algerian clubs.
Improving the country’s sports infrastructure and raising the overall standards of club management will be central to his administration’s plans, ensuring Algerian football remains competitive both continentally and globally.
As he embarks on this new term, Saadi faces high expectations from fans and stakeholders who hope his leadership will bring about a resurgence in Algerian football.
His success will largely depend on the execution of his ambitious reforms and the performance of the national team in the years ahead.
