Algeria's Atal Signs for Turkish Club After France Conviction

Algeria defender Youcef Atal at the Africa Cup of Nations -AFP
Algeria defender Youcef Atal at the Africa Cup of Nations -AFP
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Algeria's Atal Signs for Turkish Club After France Conviction

Algeria defender Youcef Atal at the Africa Cup of Nations -AFP
Algeria defender Youcef Atal at the Africa Cup of Nations -AFP

Algerian defender Youcef Atal has signed for Turkish club Adana Demirspor after receiving a suspended sentence in France last month for inciting religious hatred about the conflict in Gaza, his club Nice announced Friday.

"Six months from the end of his contract, Youcef Atal leaves OGC Nice for Türkiye," Nice said in a statement.

"The club wishes him good luck for the rest of his career."

The 27-year-old right-back was handed an eight-month suspended sentence by a court in the Riviera city last month.

He shared a video to his Instagram account five days after Hamas' October 7 assault on Israel, showing a preacher, Mahmoud Al Hasanat, calling for a "black day for the Jews".

He was also fined 45,000 euros ($49,000).

The player apologized after deleting the post and appealed the judgement.

He was suspended by his club and also suspended for seven matches by the LFP disciplinary committee, and has not reappeared for Nice since.

Capped 29 times for Algeria, Atal participated in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.



Top Stars Poised for Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo on January 17

AlUla is preparing to host the 2025 edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament om January 17 and 18. (SPA)
AlUla is preparing to host the 2025 edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament om January 17 and 18. (SPA)
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Top Stars Poised for Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo on January 17

AlUla is preparing to host the 2025 edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament om January 17 and 18. (SPA)
AlUla is preparing to host the 2025 edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament om January 17 and 18. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s AlUla is preparing to host the 2025 edition of the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament, featuring world-class competition among the sport’s leading stars, on January 17 and 18.

This year’s edition of the tournament promises a top-notch sporting gathering packed with surprises.

The tournament will take place at the AlFursan Equestrian Village, nestled within the stunning natural landscape of the ancient oasis city.

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the only global organized desert polo competition, stands out as a premier sporting and community event in Saudi Arabia and a must-go destination for equestrian and event enthusiasts with elite professional polo players set to compete for prestigious awards.

The tournament is expected to draw a large global audience, alongside royal dignitaries, senior figures, and polo sport enthusiasts, further solidifying AlUla’s status as a leading international destination for prestigious cultural and sporting events.