Algerian prosecutors seek 10-year sentences for three ex-FAF presidents

Prosecutors at the Economic and Financial Pole court in Sidi M'hamed, Algiers, have formally requested maximum penalties against three former presidents of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF). The legal proceedings center on allegations of corruption and significant financial irregularities within the federation's administration. The defendants include Khair Eddine Zetchi, along with Amara and Zouaoui, who are accused of mismanaging contracts and funds during their respective tenures.

Defense arguments regarding 2019 victory

Former FAF president Khair Eddine Zetchi questioned the rationale behind his imprisonment, arguing that his leadership coincided with a historic achievement: Algeria’s victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He contended that this success brought joy to the nation and justified administrative decisions made during his term. Zetchi and his co-defendants denied all charges, emphasizing that the presidency of the FAF is a voluntary role rather than a salaried position. They asserted that they received no wages or personal benefits from the federation.

The defense maintained that their sporting accomplishments, particularly the continental title, served as sufficient justification for the operational choices criticized by the prosecution. Despite these arguments, the public prosecutor’s office and judicial experts highlighted substantial discrepancies in the federation’s accounts. These findings formed the basis for the severe sentencing requests currently under review by the court.

Adidas sponsorship contract scrutiny

A major focus of the hearings involved the sponsorship agreement with Adidas, which was negotiated by Zetchi’s administration through the French company S2F instead of the previous Emirati partner. According to reports from the Algerian newspaper "Ashorouk," the switch was attributed to supply and quality issues with the earlier contractor. While Zetchi defended the deal as exceptional and the largest in Africa, investigators identified critical financial gaps.

Judicial expertise revealed that the federation failed to collect the full agreed-upon sum of 7.7 million euros, receiving only 3.5 million euros. Additionally, authorities noted a financial discrepancy estimated at 65 million dinars. Reports also cited the unauthorized leakage of large quantities of clothing from storage facilities without proper receipts, further undermining the integrity of the sponsorship management.

Travel agreements and hotel expenses

Accusations extended to travel arrangements managed by the Tunisian agency "Concord Voyages," which handled team training camps. This partnership reportedly cost the federation 29 million dinars in losses. Defendants justified using the agency due to urgency and tight schedules surrounding friendly matches. However, prosecutors challenged the necessity and cost-effectiveness of these expenditures.

Criticism also targeted the frequent use of the Tazroult Olympic Hotel for accommodation instead of utilizing the free National Technical Center in Sidi Moussa. This decision contributed to accumulated debts exceeding 54 million dinars. The shift away from state-owned facilities toward private lodging options was flagged as an avoidable expense that strained the federation’s budget.

Player bonuses and staffing controversies

Court sessions exposed the distribution of foreign currency bonuses (dollars and euros) to both local players and those residing abroad following the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations win. Judicial authorities characterized this practice as unjustified discrimination. Furthermore, controversy surrounded the appointment of Amin Abdi as an assistant manager for the national team.

Abdi was assigned a monthly salary of 75 million centimes despite lacking a complete administrative file and failing to undergo tax deductions. Prosecutors argued that this irregular hiring caused direct financial damage to the treasury. The combination of unverified payroll practices and discriminatory bonus structures added weight to the corruption charges leveled against the former officials.

Prosecution demands for compensation

In response to the evidence presented, the public prosecutor requested ten years of effective imprisonment and monetary fines for each of the three defendants: Zetchi, Amara, and Zouaoui. Separately, the judicial representative for the public treasury sought compensation amounting to 90 billion centimes. This claim aims to cover the financial losses incurred by the federation during the periods under investigation.

The trial continues to examine the extent of liability for the named individuals. The defense remains steadfast in its denial of wrongdoing, while the prosecution insists that the documented financial shortfalls and procedural violations warrant strict penal measures. The court will determine whether the requested sentences and compensation claims are upheld based on the final evaluation of the case files.