Algeria could be without another key player ahead of the 2027 World Championship, with HBC Nantes right back Ayoub Abdi announcing that he no longer intends to represent his country. The decision comes amid ongoing disagreements with the Algerian Handball Federation.
Ayoub Abdi has decided not to return to the Algerian national team, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the country’s preparations for the 2027 World Championship.
The HBC Nantes right back explained that his decision dates back to the most recent African Championship and is linked to problems with the Algerian Handball Federation. According to Abdi, the issues he experienced under the previous federation leadership have not been resolved under the current administration.
“I have decided not to return to the national team since the last African Championship,” Abdi stated, adding that the problems with both the former and current federation boards remain.
His absence was already noticeable during Algeria’s recent training camp in Oran, as the team prepares for the World Championship in Germany, scheduled for January 2027.
The situation is another setback for Algeria, particularly given Abdi’s importance to the team. It also follows the case of Mustapha Hadj Sadok, who previously announced his international retirement amid disagreements with the federation.
Head coach Raúl Alonso has described Abdi’s situation as an extra-sporting issue, stressing that it is a matter between the player and the federation rather than the coaching staff.
Whether the parties can find common ground remains to be seen. For now, Algeria faces the prospect of heading into the World Championship without one of its most experienced players.