Algeria Now

Verdict in FAF corruption trial set for 27 October

· Source: Algeria Now

Verdict in FAF corruption trial set for 27 October

The court in Sidi M’hamed, Algiers, has scheduled the final judgment in the football federation corruption case for 27 October 2026. The decision comes after a 12‑hour hearing on 18 October, during which the defence presented their arguments for the former federation presidents and other officials accused of financial misconduct between 2017 and 2023.

Kheireddine Zetchi, former president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), sits alongside former leaders Charaf‑Eddine Amara and Djahid Zefizef. The prosecution has sought ten years’ imprisonment and a five‑million‑dinar fine for some defendants, and seven years and the same fine for others. The defence has challenged the evidence, arguing that the FAF’s financial statements were approved at general meetings and that no audit reservations were raised.

Zetchi’s lawyers highlighted the nature of the Adidas partnership, describing it as a non‑financial equipment supply deal rather than a monetary transaction, and cited inventory records to support their claim that the gear was stored in the federation’s warehouses. They also argued that the FAF’s status as an association exempts it from certain public procurement rules.

Other defendants, including former secretaries general Mohamed Saâd and Mounir Debichi, and former board members Bahloul, Ghouti, Oumâamar, El Hachemi and Keddah, contested the integrity of the General Finance Inspection report and the expert findings. They maintained that contracts for travel, accommodation and administrative services were regularised.

The trial also involves two former general administration directors, Abdelghani Neggache and Abdelmoumen Bayraf, and two former material‑store employees. Three legal entities—an hotel, a sports‑equipment company and a Tunisian travel agency—are among the accused parties.

Until the court delivers its verdict, all defendants remain presumed innocent. The outcome of this case is expected to have a lasting impact on Algerian football governance and public trust in the sport’s administration.

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