Walid Sadi re-elected as Algerian Football Federation President amid dual role controversy

Walid Sadi has been re-elected as president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) in a near-unanimous vote, securing 76 out of 78 votes during an extraordinary general assembly held in Algiers. The 45-year-old, who also serves as Algeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, will now lead the FAF through the 2025-2029 Olympic cycle, marking an unprecedented dual role in Algerian sports governance.
Sadi, who initially took over the FAF in September 2023 following Djahid Zefizef’s resignation, has faced criticism over his ability to balance both positions.
However, FAF statutes permit this arrangement, and his close ties to political leaders have solidified his influence.
His re-election comes at a critical juncture for Algerian football, which has struggled on the international stage, including a disappointing exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and failure to qualify for recent World Cups.
Sadi has pledged to prioritize youth development, urging professional clubs to establish training centers and improve infrastructure.
Despite his overwhelming electoral support, Sadi faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible results. With a new technical director, Ali Moucer, by his side, the focus will be on revitalizing Algerian football and restoring its former glory.
As Sadi embarks on this dual mandate, the football community watches closely, awaiting concrete actions to match his ambitious promises.