The corruption trial of former Algerian Football Federation (FAF) presidents Kheireddine Zetchi, Charaf-Eddine Amara, and Djahid Zefizef commenced on 19 October 2026. Prosecutors have formally accused the three officials of squandering public funds and abuse of office during their respective tenures. Seeking accountability for these alleged financial irregularities, the prosecution requested prison sentences of up to 10 years for the defendants.
Defense lawyer Nassira Waali challenged the legal basis of the proceedings during the hearing. She stated, "Why do we sacrifice the cadres of the Algerian state every time... especially those who do not hold the status of a public employee, and yet the Public Prosecution comes today to distribute heavy sentences against them reaching 10 years in prison?"
Defense Arguments Regarding Public Status
Abdelkrim Fadak, a defense lawyer representing Kheireddine Zetchi, challenged the prosecution's narrative regarding the financial management of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF). He stated, "My client Kheireddine Zetchi was referred to the current court based on the referral order issued by the investigating judge of the third chamber of the Pole, on three charges."
Abdelkrim Fadak further argued that the federation did not receive any funds from the state during the tenure of Kheireddine Zetchi. Supporting this claim, the defense provided documentation indicating that the federation's account specifically dedicated to state subsidies contained only 915 Algerian dinars at the time Kheireddine Zetchi left his position. Counsel asserted these figures reflect the absence of state financial involvement during that period, directly contesting the allegations of squandering public funds brought against the former president.
Scrutiny of Sponsorship and Contracts
A counter-expertise report presented during the proceedings examined the fiscal management of sponsorship agreements. The findings indicated that the Adidas sponsorship contracts were executed at a rate of 90 percent. This evaluation provided specific data regarding the implementation of the partnership between the federation and the sportswear company.
Legal documentation also detailed financial transactions involving external service providers. The agreement with the travel agency Concorde Voyage involved a total financial amount not exceeding 120 million centimes. These figures were entered into the record as part of the evidence concerning the financial operations of the federation under the leadership of the former presidents. The court continues to evaluate these specific contract valuations as prosecutors maintain that the handling of such funds constituted an abuse of office.