"The president of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has been deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Algerian football legend, mujaheed Rachid Mekhloufi, player of the football team of the National Liberation Front, former coach of the national football team and former chairman of the Algerian Football Association," the condolence message said.

In this painful ordeal, the president of the Republic "extends his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and to the Algerian football family, praying to Almighty Allah to grant him His holy mercy and welcome him in His vast paradise, and to give patience and comfort to his family and loved ones."