Prosecutors have sought a total of 30 years in prison for three former presidents of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) in a case concerning the organisation’s financial management.
At a hearing on Thursday 15 October, the public prosecutor requested 10-year prison sentences for Kheireddine Zetchi, Charaf-Eddine Amara and Djahid Zefizef. The proceedings, involving 19 people accused of alleged financial irregularities, are being heard by the economic and financial criminal division of the Sidi M’Hamed court in Algiers.
The same 10-year sentence was requested for three other former FAF administrative officials, including two former general secretaries.
The prosecution also called for seven-year prison terms for several other defendants, including a former manager of the national team. Former members of the federation’s executive committee who are involved in the case face requests for sentences of between five and seven years.
Fines have also been requested. The judicial agent representing the public treasury, which has joined the case as a civil party, is seeking 900 million Algerian dinars - almost 6 million euros - in compensation for alleged losses.
The prosecution’s demands follow three days of hearings examining commercial contracts, expenditure and administrative decisions taken under several successive FAF presidencies. They are not a verdict, and all those facing charges remain presumed innocent.
Contracts and spending examined
During the third day of proceedings, Zetchi was questioned about several agreements signed during his presidency, including contracts with sportswear company Adidas and Tunisian travel agency Concorde Voyages.
The former FAF president defended the federation’s administrative procedures, saying financial decisions were not based solely on his signature.
He was also asked why Concorde Voyages had been selected without a tender. Zetchi said there was no equivalent offer available in Algeria.
“Who would we have invited to tender? This service does not exist in Algeria,” he said.
Regarding Adidas, Zetchi told the court that the partnership involved supplying equipment to the national teams rather than making a direct financial payment to the federation.
The court also considered spending incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, the rental of an apartment and the salary paid to Amine Labdi, the former manager of the national team.
The proceedings concern the management of the FAF during the periods in which the former officials held senior positions. Final decisions will be made by the court after the completion of the judicial process.