A Belgian court has ruled against Moroccan international Ilias Chair, sentencing the England-based player to a two-year prison term for assault.
According to the Belgian website “7sur7”, the court issued its verdict on Friday, sentencing Chair to two years in prison, with 12 months suspended,.
This follows his involvement in a case of assault on a truck driver with a large rock during a canoeing trip with his brother and friends.
The same source explained that Chair caused the victim to suffer a fractured skull four years ago when he threw a rock that hit him in the head during a dispute between them.
The Belgian court sentenced Chair to two years in prison, one of which is suspended, along with a fine of £13,400.
The public prosecutor in Antwerp stated during a hearing in January: “The consequences for the victim were severe.
He suffered a major skull fracture, two centimeters long, and was rushed to a hospital in Reims in critical condition.”
He added, “After that, he had to recover for a long time in a Belgian hospital and was unable to work as a truck driver for an extended period.”
The same speaker concluded, “The blow was lethal for him, and he still feels its effects.”
Elias Chair has participated in 13 matches with the Moroccan national team, scoring one goal, and is considered one of the most promising emerging talents in Morocco.
Hailing from Belgium but tracing his roots back to Morocco, Chair’s football journey is one of determination and talent.
His skills caught the eye of scouts early on, leading to his inclusion in Morocco’s U20 squad for a rigorous training camp in Rabat back in June 2017.
The young athlete’s progression continued as he represented Morocco’s U23 team in a tough friendly match against Senegal’s U23s in March 2018. Despite the defeat, Chair’s performance showcased his potential on the field.
Chair’s dreams reached new heights when he earned his debut for the senior Morocco national team. In a thrilling friendly encounter against Ghana in June 2021, he contributed to a memorable 1-0 victory, marking the beginning of his senior international career.
The pinnacle of Chair’s journey came on October 6, 2021, when he notched his first goal for Morocco in a dominant 5-0 triumph over Guinea-Bissau.
His remarkable rise did not go unnoticed, as he earned a spot in Morocco’s 26-man squad for the highly anticipated 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Making his World Cup debut on December 17, 2022, in the third-place playoff against Croatia, Chair showcased his skills on the grandest stage of them all.
Despite the eventual 2-1 loss, Chair’s performance reflected his commitment and determination to succeed at the highest level of international football.
Chair’s journey from Belgium to representing Morocco on the world stage is a testament to his resilience and dedication.
