Excluded from the club, suspended by the LFP, and rumored to be leaving, the OGC Nice defender might ultimately extend his contract… Here’s the explanation.
For more than a month, the Atal affair has continually stirred public debate. The player shared a video on his social media that was, to say the least, ambiguous. Despite issuing a proper apology, nothing has improved over time. Worse still, the situation has worsened. Suspended for 7 matches by the LFP, the Nice player’s exclusion took effect on October 31st. He will soon be judged for “incitement to racial hatred on religious grounds.”
And as bad news never comes alone, Nice-Matin assured this week that the Algerian international would no longer play with the Gym, despite being under contract until 2024. Does this decision come from the club? Not so sure. Political reactions, particularly from the mayor of the city, Christian Estrosi, flooded in following Youcef Atal’s Instagram post, which was accused of being anti-Semitic.
Ultimately, an extension is not to be ruled out
According to the information from Foot Mercato, no one within the Azurean club has asked the 27-year-old player to leave. His coach, Francesco Farioli, is even inclined to keep him and let him play. The Algerian French-language media “DZfoot” goes further: OGC Nice reportedly offered him a one-year extension at the end of October, at the height of the media storm.
It remains to be seen whether Atal will be willing to return with the Aiglons, as he has regrettably observed how his case was handled. A departure is therefore not entirely out of the question, and there are no shortage of clubs keeping an eye on the matter.
“I am convinced that he wants peace. Peace in the world.”
Dante
The captain of the Gym speaks about a teammate overwhelmed by the situation: “It’s a very complicated subject. Youcef knows the mistake he made. I’ve known him for more than five years. I’ve never seen him so sad and devastated. I see how he is with my children, his relationships with the people around him. I am convinced that he wants peace. Peace in the world. Today, he is truly sad, disappointed, and devastated by this story.,” said Dante during the GymTonic show.
In top form this season, OGC Nice might not need to be entangled in such a scandal. The absence of the right-back’s performances is sorely felt by the team, which just experienced its first defeat of the season against Nantes. Meanwhile, the final decision will likely rest with the justice system.
