Algiers – The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has announced a series of key modifications to the Algerian Cup competition format, set to take effect for the 2025-2026 season. The announcement was made during the draw ceremony for the Round of 32 and Round of 16, held Thursday evening at the National Army Club in Beni Messous, Algiers.
The event was attended by government ministers and state officials, invited by FAF President Walid Sadi and the Minister of Sports. During the ceremony, the head of the Algerian Cup Competition Committee, Mr. Lahcen Tombouktou, presented a detailed overview of the new regulations. These aim to modernize the organizational framework, improve match conditions, and promote fair play among clubs from all divisions.
Notable changes include maintaining the ban on away fans, consistent with current national league practices. The format for the Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches will see the home team hosting their opponent, regardless of division or draw order, provided they meet specific organizational criteria. These criteria include a minimum stadium capacity of 4,000 seats, adequate lighting for evening matches, and a field meeting established standards.
Exemptions will be made for stadiums undergoing renovations or deemed unsuitable during the 2025-2026 season, prioritizing player safety and competition quality. Clubs will be allowed to use alternative stadiums when necessary. The number of players allowed in the traveling squad has been reduced to 20, aiming to preserve the Cup’s traditions and reduce organizational costs.
The committee emphasized that match postponements will only be permitted in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances. Furthermore, all eligible players must participate. Any team absent from a match without a valid legal justification will face penalties for deliberate absence.
For the Round of 16, the same hosting system will apply, with the team drawn first hosting the match if their stadium has a minimum capacity of 10,000 seats. If this condition is not met, the match will be moved to a neutral venue that meets the required standards. The prohibition of postponements was reiterated, along with the responsibility of the team drawn first to ensure the venue meets the criteria, guaranteeing the competition proceeds according to schedule.
