‘His suspension is over’ – Is the door open for Youcef Atal’s OGC Nice return?
Francesco Farioli has opened the door for Youcef Atal (27) to once again play for OGC Nice. The Algerian international has been suspended by the club since October 2023.
In October, Atal shared a video from Palestinian preacher Mahmoud al-Hasanat, who asked God to “send Jewish people a dark day.” The video, shared on Atal’s Instagram, was quickly deleted by the Algerian international. Amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, Atal’s post garnered criticism, notably from the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who said that unless he “denounces Hamas terrorists, he no longer has a place at [OGC Nice].”
Atal was subsequently suspended by Les Aiglons “until further notice” whilst he also received a seven-game suspension from the LFP. Earlier in January, Atal was then found guilty of provoking racial hatred and handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence, as well as a €45,000 fine, however, the Algerian will contest the court’s ruling.
With Algeria now knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the question of Atal’s future is as pertinent as ever. His LFP suspension is now over, and given that he is no longer on international duty, the only thing hypothetically standing in Atal’s reintegration is the club’s own suspension.
This has now been lifted. “The communication has been clear: he is under contract until June. He will return to the team. His suspension is over, so he is available,” said Farioli in a press conference, attended by Get French Football News.
However, the Italian manager revealed that unlike compatriot Hicham Bouadoui, who will make his return from the AFCON on Thursday evening, Atal has been afforded a longer break, and will return to the Côte d’Azur on Monday. He will therefore miss Saturday’s Ligue 1
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