The FAF’s recent announcement has added fuel to the fire in Algerian football circles, reigniting the debate over Slimani and Mahrez’s future with the national team.
The presence of former French international Karim Benzema, currently on a family visit to Algeria and invited by the FAF to attend the match against Guinea, has attracted a great deal of attention. Four other players were also invited to join him in the presidential box, namely Benlamri, Bensebaïni, Mahrez and Slimani, although the latter two are not operational due to injury or being sidelined from the squad.
The decision sparked controversy, fuelled by the resentment of Slimani and Mahrez after their earlier non-appearances. Slimani, in particular, expressed his desire to play, while Mahrez criticised the coach’s lack of communication.
This controversial invitation is seen as a provocation by some and a denigration by others. The two players, already on holiday, rejected the invitation, which was interpreted as an attempt to oust them from the national team.
Ryad, meanwhile, is in Turkey with his family and is also preparing to head back to Italy to enjoy his holidays away from the media hullabaloo and the noise caused by this invitation, which he has no intention of accepting.
The situation highlights the tensions between the players and Algerian football’s governing bodies, as well as the strained relations with the national team’s new coach. Slimani and Mahrez are now considered persona non grata by some, but their past contribution to the national team deserves a higher profile.
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