🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
Former Algerian Football Federation president Djahid Zefizef detained in corruption case
via Algérie3602 min read
Djahid Zefizef, former president of the Algerian Football Federation FAF, has been placed in provisional detention at Koléa prison. This decision was made by the investigating judge at the Sidi M’hamed economic and financial penal division on Tuesday, April 28. Zefizef is being prosecuted in a new corruption case related to the company "Frigomedit," which specializes in industrial refrigeration and which he previously managed. He had been under judicial supervision since November 2023, with his passport confiscated and a ban on leaving the country. The investigation involves 60 individuals, with seven placed in provisional detention. Zefizef was elected FAF president in June 2022, succeeding Charaf-Eddine Amara, but resigned in July 2023 after failing to secure a position on the Confederation of African Football's Executive Committee. In addition to the "Frigomedit" case, Zefizef is also under investigation alongside other former FAF officials, including Kheireddine Zetchi, who is currently in detention, and Charaf-Eddine Amara. The charges in this broader investigation include abuse of office, illegal procurement, and money laundering, stemming from contracts concluded in violation of legal procedures to grant undue advantages and the misappropriation of public funds. Irregularities in the management of sporting events like CHAN-2023 and CAN U17, as well as excessive spending and controversial contracts with a foreign travel agency, are also part of the inquiry.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadThéniet El Had National Park, located in the Tissemsilt wilaya of Algeria, has been officially classified as a biosphere reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere MAB program. This recognition places the park among 13 other newly recognized natural sites globally, acknowledging its rich ecological value. The director of the park announced the official classification, highlighting the site's exceptional ecological value, rich biodiversity, and preserved forest landscapes. This designation is seen as a consecration of the site's environmental importance and underscores ongoing efforts in its protection and sustainable management. Beyond symbolic distinction, this international recognition opens new avenues for the park's management, including strengthening protection policies and valuing natural heritage for local populations. The park will now play an even more significant role in biodiversity preservation and environmental education. This UNESCO labeling is also expected to promote responsible ecological tourism in the region. Local authorities and park managers hope this recognition will boost conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of Algeria's natural heritage, marking a significant step for Algeria in environmental protection and positioning Théniet El Had Park as a strategic site in global biodiversity preservation efforts, while fostering more sustainable and regulated development.
FIFA has announced a record prize money distribution for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The total prize pool for the 48 qualified teams is $871 million, a 15% increase from initial projections, driven by the commercial success of the competition. The champion will receive an unprecedented $50 million, while the finalist will get $33 million. Even teams eliminated in the group stage will receive $10 million. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expects the event to generate $8.9 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, Algeria has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 12-year absence, marking their fifth participation in the tournament. They secured their spot by defeating Somalia 3-0. Algeria is placed in Group J alongside Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. Their group stage matches are scheduled for June 16 against Argentina in Seattle, June 23 against Jordan in San Francisco, and June 27 against Austria in Vancouver. The team's coach, Vladimir Petkovic, announced a 26-player squad, with Riyad Mahrez as captain and Mohamed Amoura leading the attack. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed pride in the team's qualification. Matches will be broadcast in Algeria on beIN Sports and ENTV.
Oil prices dropped over 2% on Friday for the second consecutive session, driven by easing tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude for August 2026 delivery fell 2.19% to $88.40, while West Texas Intermediate WTI for July 2026 delivery decreased 2.08% to $85.89. Despite this decline, the oil market remains sensitive to political and security developments. Seven OPEC+ member countries, including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Oman, and Russia, have agreed to collectively increase their oil production by 188,000 barrels per day starting in July. This decision, made during a videoconference meeting of the Declaration of Cooperation DoC signatories, aims to align with global energy market trends. Algeria's share of this increase will be approximately 6,000 barrels per day. The Ministry of Hydrocarbons confirmed this adjustment. The participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination and continuous monitoring of the international oil market to maintain stability and balance. This gradual approach seeks to prevent sharp imbalances between supply and demand, considering the influence of international tensions, global growth, and energy consumption forecasts on oil prices. Algeria also participated in other ministerial meetings within OPEC and the OPEC+ Declaration of Cooperation. The 193rd OPEC Conference reviewed the general secretariat's operations, strategic priorities, and medium to long-term directions. The 66th meeting of the Joint Minist