French prosecutors have initiated a preliminary investigation against Algerian footballer Youcef Atal for alleged anti-Semitic post.
He has 31 caps for Algeria and represented them at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations while he has played in six of Nice's eight Ligue 1 matches this season.
Youcef Atal reposted a video on Instagram that allegedly advocated violence against Jewish people in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
He has now deleted the Instagram post and apologized.
He wrote, "I am aware that my publication shocked people, which was not my intention, and I apologize for that. I strongly condemn all forms of violence, anywhere in the world, and I support all victims. I will never support a message of hatred. Peace is an ideal in which I firmly believe."
The video, which originated from a Palestinian preacher, caused an outcry from various quarters, including football officials, politicians, a Jewish group, and the mayor of Nice.
The prosecutor's office said it had opened a preliminary investigation into Atal on charges "of defending terrorism" while he is also under investigation for "public incitement to hatred or violence because of a particular religion".
The French Football Federation (FFF) ethics council is also investigating the Algerian footballer and its president categorically said that "hate speech will not be allowed".
