For several days, Youcef Atal has been under criticism following the publication of an Instagram story on October 14. An investigation has been opened against the Aiglons defender for “apology of terrorism.” The club has decided to suspend him until further notice.
In a statement released this morning, OGC Nice announced the suspension of its 27-year-old right-back. He is under investigation for “apology of terrorism” following a story posted on Instagram. More specifically, the sharing of a video by Sheikh Mahmoud al-Hasanat, a Palestinian preacher. In this video, a prayer was made to God to “send a dark day upon the Jews.” Although the player quickly issued an apology, as requested notably by Christian Estrosi or the new Alpes-Maritimes prefect Hughes Moutouh, he is being sanctioned by his club.
In a statement published this morning on its website, OGC Nice explained: “As soon as he returned from the national team of Algeria, where he had been since October 9, the leaders of OGC Nice summoned and spoke with Youcef Atal. OGC Nice notes that the player acknowledged his mistake by quickly removing the shared publication and issuing written and public apologies.
Nevertheless, given the nature of the shared publication and its severity, the club has decided to immediately impose initial disciplinary sanctions against the player, pending those that could be decided by the sports and judicial authorities. To this end, the club has decided to suspend Youcef Atal until further notice. We emphasize that the reputation and unity of OGC Nice result from the behavior of all its employees, which must align with the values defended by the institution. As in its message last Friday, OGC Nice reaffirms its firm commitment to ensuring that peace prevails over any other consideration.”
The Nice prosecutor’s office is in charge of the investigation. A summons before the FFF’s disciplinary commission is also on the agenda.
A suspension that could last
The 27-year-old Algerian international (33 caps) will not take part in the game against OM this Saturday at 9 p.m. Youcef Atal is also banned from training with the club until his potential reinstatement. This is unlikely to happen before a court decision is rendered, which could take several weeks or even months. The player faces up to 7 years in prison and a fine of €100,000.
