The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) did not send any board members to the Afcon 2025 draw ceremony held in Rabat on Monday, January 27. Instead, the FAF assigned the task of representing Algeria to the Fennecs coach, Vladimir Petković.
Petković, a Bosnian national, was reportedly involved in «crucial discussions concerning the essential logistical aspects linked to the competition», according to an Algerian media source. Typically, the responsibility for organizing Afcon competitions falls to the heads of African football federations rather than the coaches.
The absence of FAF representatives at the draw ceremony marks a significant development and raises the possibility of Algeria withdrawing from the tournament in Morocco. This issue was brought to light two weeks ago by a journalist on the Al Haddaf sports channel.
The journalist suggested that Algeria's participation would equate to «giving credibility to the financing of the competition by cannabis money». This accusation was previously addressed in a special broadcast by a public media outlet in November.
It's worth noting that Algeria has a history of boycotting events in the Kingdom, having already abstained from the African Artistic Gymnastics Championship and withdrawn from the Arab Under-20 Handball Championship last year.