DZWatch Exclusive: The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has issued a series of important regulatory clarifications aimed at all clubs participating in the professional league. These directives focus on the system of cautions, suspensions, and player eligibility rules for the remainder of the football season, particularly as the second phase of the league and the Algerian Cup competition approach.
The LFP confirmed that any player who has accumulated three cautions or fewer up to matchday 15 of the league will have all recorded cautions expunged. However, players who have received four cautions by the same deadline will be required to serve an automatic one-match suspension.
Furthermore, the football governing body clarified that cautions received from the Round of 16 matches of the Algerian Cup onwards will be included in the caution accumulation for the second phase of the league. This is in accordance with Circular No. 64, dated November 27, 2025, which regulates the second registration period.
The LFP also indicated that the calculation of the ‘performance’ period for the second phase officially commences with the Round of 16 matches of the Algerian Cup and continues until the final match of the season. This adds significant importance to this stage of the competition.
Regarding winter transfers, the LFP confirmed that new players are eligible to participate in the Round of 16 matches of the Algerian Cup and all subsequent matches, provided they meet the established legal requirements.
The LFP concluded its clarifications by emphasizing that any player registered on the team sheet for the Round of 16 of the Algerian Cup, the Super Cup final, or any match of the second phase, will not be allowed to change teams within the country until the end of the season. This measure aims to ensure technical stability and respect the principle of fair competition between clubs.
These decisions are part of the LFP’s efforts to organize the competition, strengthen discipline, and avoid legal interpretations that could affect the smooth running of the league and national cups. DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
