The Nationalization of Algerian Football following Independence, 1962–1982

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