Algerian football club JS Kabylie president Chérif Mellal held a press conference in Tizi-Ouzou to discuss an attack he and other club officials suffered at the hands of a group of individuals. The conference was attended by other club directors, including spokesperson Mouloud Iboud and general director Nassim Benabderrahmane. Mellal provided a detailed account of the incident, which occurred on Tuesday.
According to Mellal, the attack was carried out by a group of around 20 people, including three individuals he knows. The attackers were armed with bladed weapons and targeted multiple members of the club's management, including Mellal himself. The incident was captured on the club's security camera. Mellal reported that he met with the head of security and the public prosecutor, but was refused a meeting with the local wali.
Mellal revealed that he has filed a complaint against the three identified attackers, who are currently at large. He stated that additional complaints will be filed in the future. The JS Kabylie president expressed frustration with the wali, accusing him of refusing to meet with him due to their differing views on the country's political situation.
Mellal also criticized Mustapha Beraf, president of the Algerian Olympic Committee, alleging that Beraf had secretly met with the group responsible for the attack and provided them with financial support. Mellal claimed that he had informed the wali about these meetings. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of football club officials in Algeria.
Mellal denied having any issues with player Mesbahi, stating that he had attempted to help the player by signing a license for him to play. He expressed surprise at the attack, saying that no one had previously approached him with concerns about Mesbahi. The JS Kabylie president vowed to continue his efforts to restore the club to its former glory, despite the challenges and obstacles.
In response to the attack, JS Kabylie supporters are planning a march in Tizi-Ouzou on Saturday to condemn the incident and demand that such events not recur. Mellal called for calm and vigilance, emphasizing that the club will not be intimidated. The incident has sparked widespread concern about the level of violence and intimidation in Algerian football.
The Algerian football community is awaiting a response from authorities regarding the attack on JS Kabylie officials. The club's supporters are expected to take to the streets on Saturday to show their solidarity with Mellal and the club's management. The incident has raised questions about the safety and security of football officials and players in Algeria.
Key points
- JS Kabylie president Chérif Mellal was attacked by a group of individuals armed with bladed weapons.
- Mellal has filed a complaint against three identified attackers and plans to file additional complaints.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and security of football club officials in Algeria.
