The trial of three former Algerian Football Federation (FAF) presidents, Kheireddine Zetchi, Charaf-Eddine Amara, and Djahid Zefizef, has been postponed for the sixth time. The trial, which was set to take place on September 29, has been rescheduled for October 13. The postponement was due to the absence of one of the lawyers representing Zetchi, who was unable to attend the hearing due to the death of his wife.
The trial, which is being held at the Sidi M'hamed court, is related to the management of the FAF. The three former presidents are being prosecuted for alleged irregularities in the administration and finances of the federation. The case has been ongoing since 2017, when Zetchi took over as president of the FAF. An investigation was launched, which led to the indictment of several former officials, including Zetchi, Amara, and Zefizef.
The previous postponements were due to various reasons, including requests from the defendants' lawyers for more time to review the case files, the absence of certain parties, and a clash with a celebration. The trial has been delayed several times, with the first postponement occurring in June. The case has attracted significant attention, with many Algerian football fans following the developments.
The defendants include not only the three former presidents but also other former officials, such as Mohamed Saâd, Mounir Debbichi, and Abdelghani Nekkache. The prosecution alleges that the defendants were involved in irregularities, including the signing of contracts and the allocation of tenders that did not follow the relevant laws and regulations.
The investigation into the FAF's management has been ongoing for several years. The case files are reportedly extensive, with over 15 defendants having been questioned. A complementary expert report was added to the case files before the investigation was closed, adding to the complexity of the case.
The trial's postponement to October 13 has raised concerns about the delays in the judicial process. The case has already been ongoing for several years, and the repeated postponements have led to frustration among the parties involved. The next hearing will be crucial in determining the course of the trial and whether the defendants will finally face trial.
The Algerian football community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the trial, which could have significant implications for the sport in the country. The FAF has faced criticism in recent years over its management and governance, and the trial is seen as an opportunity for accountability and reform. The October 13 hearing will be closely watched by football fans and observers alike.
Key points
- The trial of former Algerian Football Federation presidents has been postponed to October 13 due to the absence of a lawyer.
- The case involves allegations of irregularities in the administration and finances of the FAF.
- The trial has been postponed six times, with the previous delays due to various reasons, including requests for more time to review case files and the absence of certain parties.
