The sports director position at Mouloudia has become a source of contention, with the club failing to finalize a suitable candidate. This has led to infighting within the team and criticism on social media. The issue began last summer when former president Hakim Hajj Raggem suggested Rachid Hamash, a resident of Algeria, for the role. Hamash presented a sports and administrative project, but his financial demands were not met.
Hamash's proposed salary of 18,000 to 20,000 euros per month and request for a large team were deemed too costly by the club's ownership. Despite this, his name remained in contention even after Hajj Raggem's departure and the appointment of Yacob. However, negotiations with Hamash stalled due to his insistence on meeting his financial conditions. The club then considered other candidates before selecting Mohamed Mekhazni, currently in charge of youth teams at Olympique Akbou.
Mekhazni has experience working at Mouloudia, having served as technical director of youth teams and assistant coach. However, his appointment was met with resistance from some team players, including captain Ayoub Abdelkaoui. Abdelkaoui reportedly has a strained relationship with Mekhazni from his previous tenure at the club. Sources close to the team confirm that players have expressed their disapproval of Mekhazni's potential appointment.
The players, led by Abdelkaoui, attempted to convey their concerns to club president Yacob through team coordinator Faisal Baji. However, Baji left the training session early, and the players resorted to contacting Yacob directly. Yacob, aware of their concerns, chose not to respond. Abdelkaoui subsequently expressed his stance on social media, posting "بدوني ..ca sera sans moi" (Without me... it will be without me).
The uncertainty surrounding the sports director position has created tension within the team, particularly with crucial domestic and African matches approaching. Mouloudia is set to participate in the Algerian league and the African Champions League group stage. The club's management must now decide whether to heed the players' concerns or push forward with Mekhazni's appointment.
Mekhazni is currently contracted to Olympique Akbou until 2029. He had agreed to discuss his potential departure with Akbou officials, but the outcome remains uncertain. Yacob's decision will be crucial in determining the team's future, both on and off the field.
The controversy has raised questions about the club's leadership and decision-making processes. As Mouloudia prepares for critical upcoming matches, the situation remains volatile. The team's performance may be impacted by the ongoing uncertainty and internal divisions.
Key points
- Mouloudia's players have expressed disapproval of Mohamed Mekhazni's potential appointment as sports director due to past tensions.
Reporting sources
- ماذا يحدث داخل بيت مولودية الجزائر؟ · elkhabar.com
