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.



Dakar Rally 2025: Stage 3 Begins in Bisha, Saudi Arabia

US driver Mitch Guthrie Jr steers his car assisted by co-driver Kellon Walch during stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally between Bisha and Bisha, in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. (AFP)
US driver Mitch Guthrie Jr steers his car assisted by co-driver Kellon Walch during stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally between Bisha and Bisha, in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. (AFP)
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Dakar Rally 2025: Stage 3 Begins in Bisha, Saudi Arabia

US driver Mitch Guthrie Jr steers his car assisted by co-driver Kellon Walch during stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally between Bisha and Bisha, in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. (AFP)
US driver Mitch Guthrie Jr steers his car assisted by co-driver Kellon Walch during stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally between Bisha and Bisha, in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. (AFP)

The third stage of the Dakar Rally 2025, which is being held in Saudi Arabia for the sixth consecutive year, started Tuesday and will continue until January 17. Competitors began the stage in Bisha Governorate and will finish in Al Hanakiyah, covering a total distance of 894 km, including a timed special stage of 327 km, the Saudi Press Agency said on Wednesday.
The fourth stage of the event will start today from Al Hanakiyah and conclude in AlUla Governorate, covering a total distance of 588 km, including a timed special stage of 415 km.
Drivers will face significant challenges in this stage as they will not be able to rely on mechanical support teams.