The Nationalization of Algerian Football following Independence, 1962–1982

Abstract

Ever since the rise of professionalism in 1932, more than 500 Algerian footballers have taken part in the National Championship of France. Their story is the result of a common, troubled period. Based on the cross-referencing of written and oral sources collected in France, Switzerland and Algeria, including approximately sixty interviews with former professional Algerian players from all generations, the focus of this study is the brutal nationalization of Algerian football after independence. How did Algerian politics affect elite football? What were the consequences for sports migration between two countries linked by a long and bloody colonial history? Starting in 1962, civilian and military clubs and teams were strictly controlled by the Algerian State and Football Association. For political reasons, related to the prestige of Algeria as a nation, players were often not allowed to migrate, or to be selected to wear the colours of Algeria. The intention of this article is to analyse the role of football in the construction of the nation of Algeria after 1962. Football helped put Algeria on the map despite a lack of involvement and representation by African nations in the main decision-making instutions of football, notably FIFA.