Vladimir Petkovic’s departure as Algeria manager may have cost the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) far more than the €480,000 figure reported at the time.
The Bosnian coach left the national team at the beginning of August, with the initial account suggesting he had agreed to end his contract by mutual consent in return for three months’ salary.
However, information previously reported in August and recently relayed again by journalist Mohammed Nedjari indicates that the financial terms of the separation may have been considerably different.
According to the details cited by Nedjari, Petkovic could have received the equivalent of 24 months’ salary to bring his time in charge of Algeria to an end.
With his monthly earnings estimated at €160,000, that would place the total compensation at €3.84m.
That figure would be eight times higher than the €480,000 initially announced following his departure. The claims have not been officially confirmed and remain disputed, but they have raised questions about the agreement reached between Petkovic and the FAF.
The version first presented publicly was markedly different. Explanations attributed to FAF president Walid Sadi during a meeting of the Federal Bureau stated that Petkovic had agreed to give up a significant part of the money to which he could have been entitled.
That arrangement was reportedly intended to prevent the contract from being terminated unilaterally, which could have led to an expensive legal process for the federation.
The final cost may also have extended beyond the manager’s severance payment.
Information released at the time indicated that Petkovic was due certain bonuses, including €150,000 for guiding Algeria through the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Members of his coaching staff were also understood to have separate departure compensation agreements, adding further financial commitments for the FAF.
The difference between the two reported sums – €480,000 and €3.84m – means the precise amount paid remains a significant point of contention.
The uncertainty comes after the FAF extended Petkovic’s contract as the 2026 World Cup approached. The decision has now been questioned not only in sporting terms but also because of its possible financial consequences for the federation.