The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) officially terminated its contract with coach Vladimir Petković late yesterday, June 16, through a consensual agreement to dissolve the contract. The FAF announced the decision, stating that the mutual dissolution of the contract was reached after an amicable understanding between both parties. This development marks the end of Petković's tenure with the national team. Arrangements for the post-Petković era are scheduled to commence today, Tuesday, June 18, as the federation prepares for its next steps.
Contractual Disputes and Departure
The departure of Vladimir Petković also includes assistant coach Davor Morondi, physical trainer Paolo Rongoni, and goalkeeping coach Nani Guido. Petković's contract was initially slated to run until the end of July 2028. However, Petković reportedly declined to resume his duties beginning August 1st, after his scheduled vacation. This position contradicted a contractual and regulatory clause that mandated the coach's presence in Algeria for at least three weeks per month. Petković, acting through his legal representatives, requested negotiations for an amicable separation. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is committed to paying three months' salary to the Swiss coach, in accordance with the contract signed in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup participation, which extended from 2026 to 2028. The FAF aims to finalize the contract termination through mutual agreement and fulfill the three months' dues to subsequently concentrate on reviewing potential candidates' CVs.
Financial Settlement Details
The financial settlement with Vladimir Petković includes compensation equivalent to three monthly salaries, covering July, August, and September. His three assistants are also to receive the same compensation value, as their contracts had been extended by two years prior to the World Cup. The FAF is committed to paying three months' salary to the Swiss coach, as stipulated in the contract signed before the 2026 World Cup participation, which was set to run from 2026 to 2028. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is expected to issue an official statement soon detailing the agreement. Petković decided to end his tenure following a National Technical Committee meeting that led to the dismissal of his assistants for disciplinary reasons.
Fan Reaction and Escalation
Tensions escalated following Algeria's 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the second-round match of the World Cup qualifiers. Many fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the outcome, directly blaming coach Vladimir Petković for the defeat and demanding his dismissal. Petković, in turn, was reportedly angered by the supporters' reaction and immediately requested to depart from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) president. The FAF president responded by suggesting Petković take a short break before engaging in further discussions regarding his future. Subsequently, Petković reportedly entered serious negotiations with other federations, including two Asian teams and one African team.
Search for New Manager
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) technical committee will convene an urgent meeting on Thursday at 11 AM at the national teams' preparation center in Sidi Moussa to discuss the selection of a new coach. The FAF is reportedly favoring the Spanish coaching school for the role. Before the end of the week, a National Technical Committee meeting is also scheduled to review proposed CVs submitted by coaches' agents. The FAF aims to finalize the new coach appointment before the upcoming international break, which includes the next two national team matches. The federation faces a race against time to find a suitable replacement for Vladimir Petković. The official signing of former international Antar Yahia for the assistant staff has been postponed until the new coach's contract is formalized. Additionally, goalkeeping coach Nasr Eddine Barrama, whose contract concludes next October, is currently working with the women's national team.