Report: Ligue 1 club sack Algerian star for going to AFCON

Report: Ligue 1 club sack Algerian star for going to AFCON

Faruq Ibrahim 17:32 - 01.05.2023

Nantes are said to have prepared contract termination papers for youngster who joined Algeria's u-17 AFCON squad against the clubs wishes.

Ligue 1 side Nantes have reportedly made a move to terminate the contract of youngster Younes Ben Ali for joining the Algerian u-17 AFCON squad against the club's wishes.  

The 16-year-old midfielder is currently partaking in the tournament hosted by his country, Algeria, and recent reports claim he joined against Les Canaris's wishes, prompting the club to move to sack him. 

Nantes sack Younes 

RMC Sports reports that Nantes have informed Younes that they will be terminating his contract for going against the club's wishes.  

Younes Ben Ali
Younes Ben Ali

The midfielder requested to join Algeria's squad before the start of the now ongoing tournament, but according to reports, his request was turned down as the competition was not on the FIFA calendar.  

Following this act of rebellion, Les jaunes et verts have drafted a contract termination, according to reports, but the player is said to have refused to sign it.  

What Younes said 

The midfielder broke his silence following the reports, giving credence to the rumours, as he spoke about his respect for the club and his choice to represent his country. 

“I’ve been playing for FC Nantes since I’m a kid. I love this club and I’ve always respected FCN,” he said, per RMC Sports.

“This year, I had the opportunity to represent my country, Algeria. Not everybody has that chance. It’s a great pride. With the club, we disagreed on some points. But I respected what I had to do. I made the choice to respect my country, and I want my choice to be respected.”

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria are participating in the tournament; they kicked off the U-17 AFCON with a narrow 1-0 win over the Chipolopolo of Zambia, but they sit second in their group.

The Golden Eaglets are seeking to win their third U17 title, and they began the quest with a safe victory over Zambia. 

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