The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has reacted to accusations made by Cherif Mellal, president of JS Kabylie (JSK), against Rebouh Haddad, a member of the federal bureau, and Mokhtar Amalou, responsible for referee appointments. The accusations were made after a Ligue 1 Mobilis match between Olympique de Médéa (OM) and JSK on March 15, 2019, which OM won 1-0. Mellal claimed that Haddad and Amalou were behind what he described as a "scandalous" refereeing performance.
In a statement on its official website, the FAF denounced Mellal's behavior, stating that it fosters suspicion and conflict within the football community. The FAF recalled that it has repeatedly called on club officials to exercise restraint and avoid making unsubstantiated accusations. The federation demanded that Mellal provide evidence to support his claims and announced that he would be summoned before the disciplinary council, along with OM president Boukelkal.
Mellal had accused Haddad and Amalou of being behind the refereeing decisions, which he claimed were biased against JSK. He alleged that the referee, Boukouassa, had awarded a penalty to OM that was not justified. The FAF's response was prompted by Mellal's public accusations, which the federation sees as unjustified and potentially damaging to the sport.
The JSK responded to the FAF's statement, accusing the federation of evading responsibility and downplaying the seriousness of the incidents. In a statement on its official website, JSK claimed that the FAF was trying to minimize the facts and avoid taking action against those responsible. JSK also announced that it would take legal action against OM president Boukelkal and file a complaint with the Tribunal Arbitral du Sport (TAS) against the FAF.
The dispute between JSK and the FAF highlights the tensions and controversies that can arise in Algerian football. The FAF's decision to summon Mellal and Boukelkal before the disciplinary council suggests that the federation is taking the accusations seriously. However, JSK's response indicates that the club is prepared to challenge the FAF's actions and seek external intervention.
The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the FAF's disciplinary procedures and the need for greater transparency in refereeing appointments. Algerian football has experienced several controversies in recent years, and the FAF's handling of this case will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders.
The FAF's statement concluded by emphasizing the need for all parties to respect the rules and regulations of the sport. The federation has called on club officials to refrain from making public accusations and to allow the disciplinary procedures to run their course. The outcome of the disciplinary council's hearing and the potential legal action by JSK will be significant in determining the future of Algerian football.
Key points
- - Algerian Football Federation (FAF) reacts to accusations by JSK President Cherif Mellal against officials. - FAF demands evidence from Mellal to support his claims of biased refereeing. - JSK responds, accusing FAF of evading responsibility and threatening legal action.
