Algeria have released Manchester City defender Rayan Aït-Nouri from their training camp following a reported dispute with members of the technical team during their 3-1 victory over Zambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 25-year-old left-back remained on the bench throughout Friday’s Group I encounter despite reportedly being prepared to enter the match as a substitute.
According to reports, Aït-Nouri was initially instructed to warm up before the coaching staff changed its decision after Algeria scored their second goal.
The defender returned to the bench but was later asked to resume his warm-up. Reports claim he refused the instruction, leading to a heated verbal exchange with members of the technical staff.
Aït-Nouri ultimately did not feature in the match, with Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani subsequently deciding to end his involvement in the current international camp.
The Algerian Football Federation confirmed the decision in a statement on Saturday.
“National team coach Mr. Brahim Hemdani decided this Saturday to release Rayan Aït-Nouri from the team’s ongoing training camp,” the federation said.
The federation did not provide further details on the incident or the reasons behind the decision.
Aït-Nouri’s departure comes during a period in which he has also had limited playing time at Manchester City, having made only two appearances for the Premier League side this season.
His absence will not prevent Algeria from continuing their AFCON qualifying campaign after they secured three points against Zambia.
The Desert Warriors will now continue preparations for their next qualifier without Aït-Nouri, who will return to his club following the dispute.
For the defender, the incident brings an abrupt end to his involvement in the current international window after he failed to make an appearance against Zambia.
