Algerian international footballer Youcef Atal, who plays for the French club Nice, may be forced to sit out the upcoming African Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast. This comes as a consequence of a judicial ruling in France related to a social media post in which he expressed support for Gaza.
The Public Prosecutor's Office in Nice (southern France) has called for a suspended prison sentence of 10 months and a fine of 45,000 euros against Atal, who was tried on September 18 by the Nice Criminal Court.
The verdict is set to be announced on January 3.
Pending the final court ruling, Atal is prohibited from leaving France, effectively preventing him from participating in the initial preparations of the Algerian national team for the continental championship.
Atal also risks missing out on the African Cup of Nations if the French court decides to impose a prison sentence without suspension.
The African Cup of Nations tournament is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
Additionally, the Nice team announced last month that Atal had been suspended, while the Disciplinary Committee of the French Professional Football League has sanctioned him with a seven-game suspension.
The actions taken were in response to Atal's support for the Palestinian cause and his protest against Israeli occupation forces' attacks on civilians in Gaza, as demonstrated in a video he posted on his Instagram account.
As the judgment awaits, Atal is restricted from leaving French territory with the exception of travel related to his professional football activities.
The French site "Nice Matin" reported that Atal is not expected to wear the Nice shirt again after his suspension ends and it is anticipated that he may be sold during the winter transfer window.
