Algeria: After Six Delays and Nearly Two Years in Prison, Zetchi's Trial Will Finally Deliver Verdict

Kheireddine Zetchi, former president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), who has been in provisional detention since November 2024, appeared for the first time in court regarding the management of the FAF. His trial, after six delays, began on October 13 at the Sidi M’hamed court in Algiers, with former presidents Charaf-Eddine Amara and Djahid Zefizef present. The defense challenged the validity of some evidence and the involvement of the Ministry of Youth and Sports as a civil party. Initial hearings focused on contracts related to accommodation, logistics for competitions, and bonuses awarded after Algeria’s victories in the CAN and Arab Cup. Zetchi is still awaiting his opportunity to speak, with no defendants questioned during the first day.