Controversy surrounded Islam Slimani, the Algerian international striker, as he reportedly went missing and was unreachable, causing concerns within his Brazilian club, Coritiba. The unfolding situation garnered attention in Brazil, particularly through outlets like Globoesporte.
According to local press reports, Slimani, who plays for Coritiba in the Brazilian Serie B, was expected to return for training after Algeria’s elimination on Tuesday.
However, his failure to appear raised eyebrows and was perceived as an issue by the club’s management, with potential sanctions, including contract termination, looming.
The controversy, however, has been swiftly clarified. As per the latest information from journalist Nabil Djellit, Slimani was merely taking advantage of a scheduled leave following Algeria’s disappointing campaign at AFCON 2023.
The 35-year-old striker is entitled to this break until January 31, after which he is set to resume activities with Coritiba.
Crucially, there are no indications of sanctions or disciplinary actions against Slimani, and Coritiba has affirmed its understanding of the player’s need for rest during the agreed-upon timeframe.
While Slimani holds a release clause valid until January 31, the possibility of his departure from Coritiba in the coming hours cannot be definitively ruled out.
This clarification underscores the importance of effective communication and the need for clubs to recognize and respect players’ international commitments and recovery periods.
As Slimani prepares to rejoin Coritiba, football enthusiasts await the next chapter of his journey in Brazilian football.
The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between international duties and club obligations and highlights the significance of transparent communication in avoiding unnecessary controversies within the footballing world.
Info : #Slimani est en contact permanent avec Coritiba. Après l’élimination de l’Algérie à la CAN, le club brésilien a autorisé son attaquant à revenir au Brésil au 31 janvier. Il dispose également d’une clause liberatoire à cette date. Son avenir est incertain. #Mercato pic.twitter.com/noS9MShLDq
— Nabil Djellit (@Nabil_djellit) January 28, 2024
