The former Nice defender was tried on appeal this Wednesday, April 24, in Aix-en-Provence. He was found guilty of sharing a video containing statements inciting religious hatred. The court upheld the sentence handed down in the first instance.
The Court of Appeal of Aix-en-Provence confirmed this Wednesday the conviction of Youcef Atal. The former OGC Nice player received a eight-month suspended prison sentence for “incitement to hatred on religious grounds.” The Nice court had rendered a similar decision on January 3, 2024.
Youcef Atal was present at the hearing. He obtained permission from his Qatari club, Al-Sadd SC, to temporarily leave Qatar to appear. The decision was made three days after his team was eliminated from the Asian Champions League. It comes in a tense context, where public statements by prominent public figures are closely scrutinized.
The charges relate to October 2023. The footballer had shared a video on Instagram featuring the Palestinian preacher Mahmut al-Hasanat, who called upon God for “a dark day for the Jews” while encouraging the residents of Gaza. The publication occurred five days after Hamas attacks that resulted in more than 1,400 deaths in Israel. The player claims he did not see or understand the incriminating passage and that he quickly deleted the video at the request of his club.
Review of the Case
The case provoked many reactions. Several local officials, such as Christian Estrosi and Éric Ciotti, expressed their indignation. The mayor of Nice demanded apologies, which the player promptly provided. However, judicial proceedings were initiated.
At the trial, the prosecutor sought the confirmation of the sentence. The court followed its recommendations. In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Youcef Atal will have to pay between 1,500 and 3,000 euros to each of the six associations that joined as civil parties.
The player’s lawyer, Me Tom Michel, laments that his client has become “a figure of anti-Semitism in France.” Youcef Atal, on his part, defended himself: “My intention was not to send a message of war but a message of peace, of support for Palestine.”
The former Aiglon has seen his career take a turn since the release of this video. He left the French championship to join Qatar. His future on European fields seems uncertain. The player remains very followed on social media, counting over 3 million followers on Instagram.
Justice has spoken. Youcef Atal remains convicted. This decision closes a case that has stirred strong emotions, far beyond the world of sports.
