Al Sadd express solidarity with Youcef Atal amid legal troubles

Photo Credit: Al Sadd SC/X

Algerian international Youcef Atal has received messages of support from his club, Qatari giants Al Sadd, ahead of a final court ruling expected at the end of April.

Atal was sentenced by a French court after posting a video in 2023 expressing support for Palestine, following the October 7 incident that sparked conflict between Israel and Hamas. In an official statement, the Qatari club expressed its solidarity with the player.

Atal, 28, shared a video on Instagram featuring a Palestinian imam reciting a prayer that was judged to be anti-Semitic by the French legal system. The post generated widespread controversy and led to his dismissal by Ligue 1 club OGC Nice. In 2024, a French court handed him an eight-month suspended prison sentence and a €45,000 fine on charges of inciting religious hatred.

However, the French public prosecutor’s office appealed the decision, seeking actual jail time for the former Nice right back. The final verdict is expected in late April. Al Sadd stated that Atal stands with the people of Gaza and pledged its full support during this difficult period. He has also received significant backing from his home country, Algeria, and across the Arab world for his stance in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Full Statement from Al Sadd:

“Our player Youcef Atal was subjected to an unjust decision following his humanitarian stance and support for our people in Gaza. It is a courageous position that reflects the conscience of every human being. Al Sadd stands fully with our player and offers him unlimited support in this case.

"What Youcef Atal did was a natural and honest expression from someone who sought to highlight the injustice and aggression faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza. His position is rooted in humanitarian principles.”

Atal joined Al Sadd from Turkish Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor after a proposed move to Olympique de Marseille failed to materialize. He has 2 goals and 3 assists in 13 matches for Al Sadd in all competitions since joining in September.