FAF Endorses Structural Reform of Domestic Football Competitions Ahead of 2027/2028 Season
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has formally approved a significant restructuring of the national competition system, marking one of the most consequential institutional reforms in Algerian football governance in recent years.
Meeting in ordinary session at the Military Circle of Beni Messous in Algiers, members of the FAF General Assembly endorsed by absolute majority the principle of adopting a new competition framework set to come into force starting from the 2027/2028 season. While the current format will remain unchanged for the upcoming campaign, the decision signals a medium-term recalibration of Algeria’s football architecture across all levels.
According to federation officials, the detailed configuration of the new system will be disclosed “at the appropriate time,” with multiple proposals currently under review by a dedicated commission. FAF leadership has emphasized that the reform process remains consultative and technically driven, without immediate disruption to the professional top tier.
Under the anticipated structure, Ligue 1 is expected to maintain its 16-club format, preserving continuity at the elite level of Algerian football. The most substantial changes are likely to affect the amateur and semi-professional tiers, particularly Ligue 2, which is projected to transition from its current two-group regional format (Central-East and Central-West, each comprising 16 teams) to a unified national championship of 18 clubs. This shift reflects a broader ambition to streamline competitiveness and reinforce national cohesion within the second division.
The session also validated key institutional documents, including the moral and financial reports for the 2025 fiscal year, alongside the approval of the 2026 projected budget. According to the federation, the financial results reflect a period marked by operational gains and a notable surplus confirmed by the statutory auditor—an indicator presented as evidence of strengthened governance mechanisms within the national football body.
FAF President Walid Sadi welcomed what he described as a consolidated “family spirit” within Algerian football institutions, crediting it with ongoing improvements across sporting, administrative, and financial dimensions. He reaffirmed the federation’s strategic orientation toward sustainable development, institutional stability, and long-term performance enhancement.
The session was also attended by Mustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), who praised the organizational conditions of the assembly and suggested that the prevailing institutional climate could positively influence the future of national teams and competitive structures.
In keeping with longstanding tradition, the federation concluded the meeting by honouring several figures from Algeria’s football ecosystem, including former international referees, players, administrators, and journalists, in recognition of their contributions to the development and institutional memory of the sport.
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