Investigation Launched into Alleged Antisemitic Social Media Post by Youcef Atal, Prominent Nice and Algeria Defender

Nice Defender Youcef Atal Investigated for Antisemitic Video

In a surprising turn of events, Nice defender Youcef Atal is now under investigation by French prosecutors for allegedly sharing an antisemitic video on social media that relates to the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

The incident involved a post on Atal’s Instagram account which has since been deleted. In response to the allegations, the player has issued an apology.

The public prosecutor’s office in Nice stated that they have initiated a preliminary investigation into Atal under charges of “defending terrorism”. Additionally, he is being investigated for “public incitement to hatred or violence because of a particular religion”.

Atal took to social media again to express his remorse: “I am fully aware that my publication deeply offended people, although it was never my intention. I sincerely apologize for any distress caused.”

He further added, “My stance remains strongly against all forms of violence worldwide and I stand in support of all victims. Never will I endorse hate speech as peace is an ideal that I firmly believe in.”

Youcef Atal boasts an impressive record with 31 caps for Algeria and represented them at the recent Africa Cup of Nations held in 2022.

Despite these investigations looming over him, Atal has managed to maintain his focus on football as he featured in six out of eight Ligue 1 matches this season playing for Nice.

French Football Federation (FFF) Ethics Council Investigates as Well

The FFF’s ethics council has also taken notice of the situation and launched its own investigation into Youcef Atal. The president of FFF, Philippe Diallo, made it clear that hate speech will not be tolerated within football.

In a statement released on Sunday, Diallo emphasized, “Such acts are completely against the ethical standards of our sport and contradict the values that soccer relentlessly upholds.”