Nantes terminate contract of Younes Benali after youngster insisted on playing U17 AFCON

The youngster's contract has been terminated

Younes Benali, a 16-year-old Algerian international, has had his contract with Nantes terminated because he persisted in competing in the U17 AFCON.

Two days following succumbing to Toulouse in the Coupe de France championship match, Nantes has drawn criticism for the way they handled Algerian U17 international Younes Ben Ali.

According to reports this morning, the player's contract was terminated by the club since Ben Ali joined the team that was supposed to compete in the U17 AFCON, which kicked off last Saturday in Algeria. Today, Ben Ali addressed the media to formally reaffirm the rumours.

Benali: "Since I was little, I have played for FC Nantes. And as many know, I’m in love with this club, it’s my favourite club. I have always respected it, since I was little I did everything there. This year, I had the opportunity to represent my country, Algeria. It is not given to everyone to represent this country. It is a great pride.

I did everything well. With the club, we did not really agree on a few points. I complied with everything I had to do. I decided to go to Algeria. I was not disrespectful. I made the choice to respect my country and it must be respected. Afterwards, there are those who do not agree with me. But the most important thing is to go as far as possible in the African Cup."

Nevertheless, Ben Ali decided to join the Algerian team. Nantes responded by writing an adjustment to Ben Ali's contract that would end it. The participant declined to sign it.

According to RMC Sport, the player's agent was taken aback by his client's choice to participate in the contest. Ben Ali and Nantes U17 head coach Francis Liaigre are reportedly at odds.