Algerian Football Federation (AFF) has upheld last year’s move to ban foreigners from the country’s topflight from 2017/2018 season.
Maher Mezahi, Algerian football journalist who has been closely following the story confirmed the latest development.
“Algerian Football Federation announced that it will uphold decision to ban foreign players in 2017/2018,” Maher posted on his twitter page.
AFF’s president, Mohammed Raouraoua, rationalised the decision by questioning Algerian clubs’ recruitment record.
“Forty-six percent of the 28 foreign players have played less than half of the season.
“The idea behind signing foreign players is that they are supposed to contribute. There even two players who have not played a single minute. So what is the point? We must ask questions,” Raouraoua was quoted by BBC in 2016.
While some clubs like ES Setif were in support, others were vehemently opposed – viewing the federation’s move as interference.
“If the federation wants to run the clubs, they should pay the players,” MC Alger president, Omar Ghrib, contested.
