The Ligue de football professionnel (LFP) in Algeria has announced a two-year suspension for Chérif Mellal, president of JS Kabylie (JSK), a top-tier football club in the country. This decision comes with a proposal for Mellal's lifetime radiation from any official function or activity related to football, effective June 20, 2019. The LFP cited multiple reasons for this severe sanction, including violation of the obligation of reserve, outrage to the federation, league, and their structures and members, as well as atteinte à la dignité et à l’honneur.
According to the LFP, Mellal's actions were in direct contravention of the disciplinary code of the Fédération algérienne de football (FAF). Specifically, he failed to respect decisions made by the commission's juridictionnelles and proceeded with activities banned to him. The LFP noted that Mellal was not new to disciplinary actions, having already received a two-year suspension in 2019. This prior sanction did not deter Mellal from continuing his involvement in football, leading to the current, more severe penalties.
The disciplinary commission of the LFP was prompted to act following submissions from the FAF on August 9, 2020, and September 9, 2020. These submissions led to the opening of a disciplinary procedure against Mellal, as per article 9/4 of the FAF's disciplinary code. The commission found that Mellal, despite his previous suspension, held press conferences and made statements that violated the FAF's disciplinary code.
Mellal's defiance of the existing ban included participating in two press conferences as JSK president, during which he made declarations and comments that contravened the FAF's code. This behavior was deemed a serious breach of the interdiction de toute activité en relation avec le football, which includes administrative, sportive, and representation activities of the club. The LFP emphasized that such actions warranted severe penalties.
In addition to the two-year suspension and the proposal for lifetime radiation, Mellal has been ordered to pay a fine of one million dinars. The LFP's disciplinary commission also reminded the parties involved that they have the right to appeal this decision to the commission fédéral des recours within specified deadlines, as outlined in articles 96 and 97 of the football championships regulations.
The case against Mellal underscores the stringent stance of Algerian football authorities on disciplinary matters. The LFP and FAF have been working to uphold integrity and honor within the sport, taking decisive actions against individuals who breach established codes of conduct. Mellal's situation highlights the challenges of balancing club leadership roles with adherence to regulatory frameworks.
The future of Chérif Mellal in Algerian football now hangs in the balance, pending the outcome of any potential appeal. His suspension and the threat of lifetime radiation mark a critical juncture in his career and the governance of JS Kabylie. The decisions made in this case will likely have far-reaching implications for football administration and disciplinary practices in Algeria.
Key points
- The LFP has suspended Chérif Mellal, president of JS Kabylie, for two years with a proposal for lifetime radiation due to multiple breaches of the FAF's disciplinary code.
- Mellal's actions included violating the obligation of reserve, outrage to football authorities, and non-compliance with previous disciplinary decisions.
- Alongside the suspension and potential lifetime ban, Mellal has been fined one million dinars and has the option to appeal the decision.
