Éric Chelle in line to replace Petkovic as Algeria head coach

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is moving closer to appointing Éric Chelle to take charge of the Fennecs following Vladimir Petkovic’s departure, despite his contract having been extended before a 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign deemed insufficient. The Franco-Malian coach, currently under contract with Nigeria until 1 January 2027, is the FAF’s priority target.

The process has seen several embarrassing setbacks for the federation. Portuguese Paulo Bento — former Portugal head coach (Euro 2012 semi-finalist) and South Korea manager (2022 World Cup) — had initially been linked persistently with the role. Spanish coach Félix Sanchez, who has worked in Qatar and Ecuador, was reportedly on the verge of signing before the FAF pulled out despite an agreement being reached.

Chelle presents a unique profile for the position: born in Abidjan to a French father and Malian mother, he grew up in Martigues and began his playing career at FC Martigues before moving to Ligue 1 with Valenciennes, then spending three seasons at RC Lens. After transitioning to coaching, he managed Athlético Marseille (formerly Consolat) and FC Martigues, then Mali for two years, before taking charge of MC Oran in Algeria — direct experience of local football that works in his favour.

His recent record with Nigeria’s Super Eagles also recalls a painful memory for Algerians: at the last Africa Cup of Nations, his team dominated and beat Algeria 2-0 on 10 January in Marrakech, with Riyad Mahrez in the Fennecs’ ranks. Algeria reached only the quarter-finals of that competition, a result that prompted reflection on a change of direction.

The FAF will nonetheless need to negotiate a contract termination with Nigeria if it wishes to confirm Chelle’s appointment before the January 2027 deadline. According to available information, another coach under contract and open to joining Algeria is also on the federation’s radar.