Press reports have revealed a major surprise regarding the Algerian Football Federation's efforts to dismiss its Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic, following the elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
A month ago, the Algerian Federation extended its contractual relationship with coach Petkovic for two years, a decision that came after long negotiations, with a strong focus on proving his technical capabilities in the World Cup.
The Algerian Federation plans to dismiss Petkovic
According to the French network "Foot Mercato," the Algerian national team received sharp criticism due to its modest performance in the World Cup, especially against Switzerland, in the round of 32.
In an exciting development, several officials from the Algerian Football Federation have shown interest in contracting with Malian coach Eric Chelle in the coming period, due to the breakthrough he achieved with the Nigerian national team.
Eric Chelle has been coaching the Nigerian national team since 2025, and the 48-year-old led the Super Eagles to third place in the 2025 African Cup of Nations held in Morocco.
Chelle is credited with developing the style of many Nigerian players, having laid solid foundations for the success of the Malian national team earlier, and led the latter to the quarter-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
One of Chelle's most notable features is his ability to manage top players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman based on his match plans, with his desire to present attacking football, which caught the attention of the Algerian Federation.
The elimination of the "Desert Warriors" from the 2026 World Cup came at the hands of the Swiss national team, as the latter defeated them 2-0 at "BC Place" stadium last Friday.
