The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announced on Saturday the release of national team defender Rayan Ait-Nouri from the ongoing training camp, stating in an official press release that national head coach Brahim Hemdani decided to release the Manchester City player from the current camp so he could return to his English club.
Brahim Hemdani took his first disciplinary measure against defender Rayan Ait Nouri following a major clash between the two men during Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Zambia (3-1) in Tizi-Ouzou.
“National head coach Mr. Brahim Hemdani decided on Saturday to release player Nait-Nouri from the national team’s ongoing training camp. The Algerian international will thus rejoin his club, Manchester City,” the Algerian Football Federation announced in a press release.
Specifically, Rayan Ait-Nouri will not make the trip with the national team to Bujumbura for the match against Burundi on Tuesday, September 29, corresponding to the second matchday of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. He will also be absent for the friendly encounter against Niger on October 6 at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou.
The rift between Brahim Hemdani and Rayan Ait-Nouri appears definitive owing to the reprehensible conduct of the Manchester City full-back during Friday’s fixture against Zambia. After requesting that he warm up to enter the match early in the second half, the Fennecs coach reversed his decision following Zambia’s equalizer (1-1, 57th minute).
A video circulated on social media platforms depicts Ait-Nouri reacting angrily on the bench, with his teammates unable to pacify him prior to the intervention of national team manager Moussa Saib to defuse the situation. Antar Yahia also intervened, advising Saib to step away from the scene.
Questioned about the Ait-Nouri affair during Saturday evening’s press conference, Hemdani stated: “We are here to defend the interests of the national team, and nothing else,” adding: “We will take whatever actions necessary if completely inappropriate behavior surfaces, but regardless, there is nothing further to state regarding this matter.”