Manchester City star sent home by Algeria after clash with coaching staff
By Joel Masibo, September 27, 2026Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has been released from Algeria’s national team camp following a reported disagreement with members of the coaching staff during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory over Zambia on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The 25-year-old was left among the substitutes as Algeria secured a 3-1 win over Zambia. Reports from Algeria indicate that the full-back became frustrated after being denied an opportunity to enter the game.
Video footage shared on social media appeared to show Ait-Nouri expressing his displeasure while seated on the substitutes’ bench.
According to Algerian outlet Ennahar, head coach Brahim Hemdani initially instructed Ait-Nouri to warm up. However, the player was reportedly told to return to the bench after Zambia scored.
The report further claimed that Ait-Nouri did not respond to efforts by Algeria general manager Moussa Saib and his teammates to settle the situation, leading to tension within the camp.
Algeria’s statement on player’s conduct
The Algerian Football Federation subsequently confirmed that Ait-Nouri would leave the squad and return to his club.
“The national coach, Mr Brahim Hemdani decided this Saturday to release the player Rayan Ait-Nouri from the current training camp of the national team.
“The Algerian international will return to his club, Manchester City,” the statement said.
Ait-Nouri has established himself as an Algeria international, having earned 34 caps. He was also part of the country’s squad during the World Cup over the summer.
Born in Paris, the defender is eligible to represent both Algeria and France, but opted to play international football for Algeria.
His current campaign at Manchester City has been difficult in terms of regular playing time. He is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season and has largely had to settle for a place on the bench.
Despite his limited opportunities, Ait-Nouri has made an impact whenever he has been used. He registered two assists during City’s 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Norwich and later set up Erling Haaland after coming on as a substitute against Porto in the Champions League.
The defender joined City from Wolves in July last year in a deal worth around £33.7 million, but his first season at the Etihad also saw him used mainly as a rotation option.
Josko Gvardiol has generally been preferred in the left-back position, restricting Ait-Nouri’s opportunities.
Manchester United were also reported to have explored a late move for the defender on deadline day, with a loan proposal discussed. However, United were unwilling to include an obligation to make the transfer permanent, a condition understood to have been acceptable to City.