Kheïreddine Zetchi (FAF president): “Yes, I considered resigning.”

FAF President Kheïreddine Zetchi Admits He Considered Resigning After AFCON Triumph

The president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Kheïreddine Zetchi, has revealed that he seriously considered resigning from his post following Algeria’s victorious campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. His disclosure sheds light on the intense pressures and challenges he faced in leading the national federation.

In a recent statement to Algerian Radio, Zetchi reflected on the events surrounding the Fennecs’ return from Egypt, particularly his absence at the official ceremony at the People’s Palace, where he was expected to join President Abdelkader Bensalah. His omission had sparked speculation in the media and among fans, raising questions about the future of FAF leadership and Zetchi himself.

“To be very clear, yes, I considered resigning,” Zetchi admitted. He described a period of “saturation” after two years at the helm of the FAF. The president emphasized that his tenure had been marked by significant challenges, inherited from a heavy and complicated legacy. “I worked in extremely difficult conditions. We were not spared, and we suffered gratuitous attacks,” he said, acknowledging the cumulative pressures he faced in navigating Algerian football’s complex administrative and political environment.

The immediate aftermath of the AFCON victory intensified these feelings. Zetchi explained that the combination of high expectations, lingering criticisms, and the controversy surrounding the national order of merit had led him to seriously contemplate stepping down. “All these accumulated events meant that upon returning from Egypt, I was seriously considering my future,” he confessed.

Despite these doubts, Zetchi ultimately chose to remain in his role, citing ongoing projects and the importance of continuity. “But there were projects that we launched,” he explained. “I thought about it carefully. I came to my senses and decided to finish the work I started with more intelligent people.” His decision underscores a commitment to seeing through reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening Algerian football and ensuring the Fennecs’ continued success.

Zetchi’s candid revelations provide a rare glimpse into the pressures faced by football administrators in Algeria, especially after a period of historic achievement on the continental stage. While the AFCON victory brought national celebration and acclaim for the team, it also highlighted the often-unseen challenges behind the scenes in managing the federation.

As FAF president, Zetchi has overseen a period of significant transformation in Algerian football, including improving team infrastructure, strengthening youth development programs, and professionalizing administrative processes. His choice to stay, despite personal frustrations, reflects his dedication to these long-term goals and his belief in the importance of strategic leadership.

By acknowledging both his doubts and his ultimate resolve, Kheïreddine Zetchi offers a candid perspective on the pressures of football governance and the responsibilities that accompany leading a national institution in the wake of major sporting triumphs. His leadership will now continue, with a renewed focus on building upon the historic success achieved by the Fennecs.