Controversial Algerian Club Chairman Mellal Fights 3-month Suspension

Chairman of Algerian Premier League club Cherif Mellal is keen to have the recent 3-month ban imposed on him rescinded, Ducor Sports understands.

Mellal, who is second-placed JS Kabylie chairman, earned the wrath of Algerian football authorities after an investigation into a recent claim of bias towards his team was found to be false by the FA.

Cherif had asked for probing to be launched into his club’s game versus Medea, accusing the arbiter of being partial and denying his club of the points.

This reels in after Mellal, only weeks ago, again alleged top brasses of a certain club who he later said was the FA’s vice-president, had tried bribing him to throw away matches to hand USM Alger advantage in its pursuit of the league gong.

The FA had rubbished the assertions in a communiqué instead of investigating the issue which left pundits somewhat aghast by the move.

Findings were later done and the committee found Cherif’s claims to be untrue imposing a 20million Algerian currency fine on him along with a 3-month ban.

However, Mellal feels he’s being unfairly targeted and has gone ahead to file an appeal contesting the decision.

Cherif had had series of run-ins with authorities this season saying the game in the North Africa country is ridden with corruption and feels he’s being left alone to fight the vice.

Last month, he was the subject of thuggery as hoodlums raided the club’s headquarters armed with rods and knives, leaving him with a graphic cut around the face with his white underneath shirt stained with blood.

Arrests were made but no one has been tried yet.