Algerian Football Federation officials refute Cherki’s denial of contact

France national team newcomer Rayan Cherki claimed he has never been contacted by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) to represent the North African nation. The Olympique Lyonnais star is on the verge of joining English giants Manchester City, and his comments have been refuted by some FAF officials.

Cherki received his first-ever call to the senior France squad as Algeria missed out on a great talent. In an interview with L’Équipe, the 21-year-old winger stated that he has never spoken with any federation president about representing a national team:

His comments were not taken lightly by some factions within the FAF. According to La Gazette du Fennec, an unnamed FAF official claimed that federation president Walid Sadi had established contact with Cherki’s father. The FAF also reportedly tried to mobilize Algerian internationals Saïd Benrahma, Amine Gouiri, and Aïssa Mandi to convince the young prodigy to switch allegiance.

Cherki has previously played for France at youth and Olympic levels.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.