Algerian Ligue 1 set for temporary halt during Arab Cup participation

Algeria’s Professional Football League (LFP) will suspend Ligue 1 fixtures during the national team’s involvement in the 2025 Arab Cup, a tournament set to run in Qatar from 1–18 December.

The decision, taken in coordination with the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), aims to maintain competitive balance as several clubs are expected to lose key players to international duty.

The pause comes in response to concerns raised by teams likely to be heavily affected by call-ups.

With many clubs relying on locally based talent, league officials determined that continuing the competition as normal would undermine fairness and place some sides at a significant disadvantage.

Initially, the LFP examined the possibility of postponing only the matches of clubs with more than three selected players.

However, the idea was ultimately rejected due to an already congested calendar.

The league has struggled with fixture delays this season, with leaders MC Alger having completed just eight of their twelve scheduled matches.

Officials concluded that adding further postponements risked creating a backlog that would be difficult to resolve later in the campaign.

Matchday 12 will be played as planned this weekend, after which Ligue 1 will officially enter its temporary break.

The timing of the decision aligns with the national team’s return from a training camp in Cairo, where they faced Egypt’s A’ squad in two friendly fixtures as part of their Arab Cup preparation.

Head coach Madjid Bougherra is expected to reveal his final squad list shortly, a move that will confirm which clubs are most affected by the upcoming call-ups.

The suspension is viewed as a protective measure, not only for the integrity of the league but also for player welfare, ensuring that clubs are not forced into competing with heavily depleted squads.

The decision signals an effort to balance domestic priorities with national ambitions, particularly as the Arab Cup remains an important competition for showcasing local talent.

Clubs across the country will now turn their attention to managing training programmes and maintaining squad rhythm during the break.

Meanwhile, supporters await the official squad announcement, which will offer insight into the national team’s plans as they prepare for the December tournament.