Algeria Football– JSK, USMA – In Algeria, the rules of the Ligue 1 championship impose specific restrictions on the replacement of players in the event of injury. Under Article 51 of the regulations, clubs cannot replace an injured outfield player in the league, unless the injury occurred during a match with the national team. On the other hand, goalkeepers benefit from an important exception.
Indeed, if one of a club’s three goalkeepers suffers a serious injury, the regulations allow the club to recruit a replacement at any time during the season, without waiting for the next transfer window. This is the case for JS Kabylie (JSK), who could replace their goalkeeper Gaya Merbah, victim of a serious injury, thanks to this provision. This flexibility is crucial for clubs, as goalkeepers occupy a key position and their prolonged absence can significantly affect team performance.
On the other hand, for USM Alger (USMA), this rule does not apply to Ghiles Guenaoui, an outfield player, despite his injury. The club does not have the possibility of recruiting a replacement, because his injury did not occur during the national team. This highlights the asymmetry of the rules between goalkeeper positions and outfield players, who must wait until the next transfer window to be replaced.
This distinction between goalkeepers and outfield players sometimes creates difficult situations for clubs, which find themselves helpless in the face of long-term and unforeseen injuries. These rules, while designed to protect the integrity of the championship, can weigh heavily on teams in the event of serious injuries.
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